“Aggressively soft. Softly progressive.”
This is what Lilac Kings describes themselves when you look at their About page on Facebook. However, I didn’t initially find them on Facebook. Instead, from a recent email newsletter from their record label, We Are Triumphant.
A pop-punk band from the US, Lilac Kings released “Astral Straits” yesterday to promote their upcoming album Desolation Desperation. As someone who has been a fan of the pop-punk genre since high school, “Astral Straits” is a well-crafted pop-punk piece that I really enjoyed. Why? Read further to find out.
Search the Stars For New Earth
“Astral Straits” starts off what Lilac Kings describe themselves: aggressively soft. However, it isn’t too aggressive as the piece starts off with a softer sound. This is where the vocalist sings the first verse with a smooth tone. A high-pitched guitar plays a supporting melody along with the mellow hard-rock bass.
The tone shifts from the soft sound to an aggressive one by the chorus. But, don’t take it the wrong way: the vigorous energy from the vocalist and instruments brings a new perspective. You can hear it mostly in the vocals as he opens up the first line with a scream-o pitch. Then, he slides down to a soothing, high-pitch tenor tone by the end. I love how the singer employs the vocals during the chorus, I think his execution is well done. My friend says that the vocals remind her of Sleeping With Sirens, but I am reminded of a 2000s pop-punk band that I can’t put my finger on.
Check out the ending of “Astral Straits” as it a blend of the vocalist’s tenor vocals and scream-o — the screaming you hear in the background. But, don’t discount scream-o as being a bad thing: it actually adds depth and a harmonious contrast to the higher-pitched main vocals.
Terra Forms New Beginnings
What kind of message do you get when listening to the song’s lyrics?
Whenever I initially listened to “Astral Straits”, I feel like it is filled with metaphors about new beginnings. My hypothesis is based on the bits and pieces found within the song: “Terra forms new beginnings” and “Search the stars for new Earth”. We have to form new paths and start new beginnings by taking risks; it is hard, but we have to at least try. Could this be the true message behind “Astral Straits”?
However, my hypothesis was wrong. In truth, the song is about survival. According to a recent tweet on the band’s Twitter account, the lyrics are written in a perspective that Earth has reached its limit in sustaining human life. The song reflects on the feelings of desperation that one may have as well as the options of living one must face if such a crisis arises.
What Do You Think?
Lilac Kings’ “Astral Straits” is a wonderfully crafted pop-punk song that will please both old-time pop-punk fans as well as those who aren’t familiar with it. With talented vocals, an interesting mixture of sci-fi and wise advice, and a great melody, “Astral Straits” will be sure inspires others to pursue their own new beginnings.
Check out “Astral Straits” below and let me know what you think in the comments below!
About the Artist
According to their Facebook:
Lilac Kings formed as an idea in late 2016. After branding ideas and songs were in place, the band went into the studio and put out the single “Shiver” in January 2017. The band then went on to release their debut EP What Brings Us Back on November 3rd, 2017 under We Are Triumphant Records’ banner.
On November 2nd, 2018, the band dropped their fresh new single “Don’t Pretend” which has been met with tremendous positivity and has landed itself on several notable Spotify playlists including “The Scene” and “New Punk Tracks”. Following this successful release, Lilac Kings put out an emotional yet tactful and compelling full-length record titled Goodnight which has multiple tracks across multiple curated playlists.
The band is set to tour through the states throughout 2020 to promote their new album Desolation Desperation.
You can follow the band on:
Facebook / Twitter / Apple Music / Spotify
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I’ll have to share this with my husband. I really think he would like their sound.
This is the first time I’m hearing of this band. Nice and catchy song!
They sound like an interesting band!
I love punk rock so this song is definitely up my alley. Thanks for sharing it so now I have something new to listen to.
I haven’t listened to music like this for a while now, but I’ve always enjoyed this sound. This band is new to me, so I am going to have to find more about them and their album. My husband especially would enjoy this!
I’ve never been a fan of this music, but I like the art work!
I haven’t heard of this band and this song! I will definitely check it out and share with my pop music lover friends ☺
Glad to know they are touring this year!
I haven’t heard any songs from them, but I will definite check them out. They sound amazing!
I’m not familiar with this band or with pop-punk music, but reading your review made me curious to listen to their album!
Not heard of this band before, but they look good and I do like my music x
Sounds like an interesting group, I will have to check them out.
I like it! I hadn’t heard of them before but I want to hear more!
I haven’t heard of this band before. After listening to this song, I’d like to check out more of their stuff.
I am not really familiar with them but will definitely check this out! It’s great to discover more wonderful music!
I love scrutinizing the lyrics to songs and find meaning to it. I like it best when I’m able to relate songs to my own emotions and experience. It feels as though the song is written for me. I am not familiar with this group nor their songs, but it looks like they send a good message.
I was intrigued reading that their Astral song is written in a sci-fi way. I will check them out, as I didn’t hear about this band before.
Haven’t heard of them before but the sound is pretty soothing I find. Thanks for bringing them to light.
Sorry my comment posted before I finished. It’s pretty soothing and then the punk kicks in.
I like the song 😉 Never heard of the band before but will definitely check out their stuff now
I’ve never heard of this group before, but the song sounds amazing. I love their concept of “aggressively soft.” I’ll be listening to some more of their stuff for sure!
Its the first time I heard about them, great music. Will check more of their stuffs. Thanks for sharing!
I have never heard of them before but thank you for introducing me. I will certainly be giving them a listen.
Good music and song. Heard them. Will check more of their songs and music. Felt interested to hear more.
I am not really into this kind of music but I like it 🙂
I am checking some more songs of the lilacs.
Thanks for sharing the great stuff.
I have not heard about them before, the art looks amazing
I’m a music lover,I enjoy any genre. Thanks for sharing about this. I will check this out.
Nice! This is a very interesting article
Thanks for sharing.
Interesting interpretation! I always struggle to understand songs that have a poetic or mystic connotation. But I do enjoy them nonetheless!
First time to read about this music artist, music to my ears if the theme is celestial.
I’ve always enjoyed this sound but not heard of this band. Looks like something I should check out.
I never heard of them before. Thank you for introducing them. All the best guys!
This band is new to me, I’ll check them out.
Heard the first time about this band. Sounds cool!