The Cincinnati-born band Scarlet Street welcomes listeners into their realm of reality on their self-titled record. Band members, Ben Seitz (Guitar/Vocals), Robert Tenhundfeld (Bass), and Jacob Leitch (Drums), have never been shy about revealing their own personal battles. Without any effort, the band evokes a sense of empowerment among listeners. The new LP, without a doubt, represents the testament appeal of the band.
From the opening track, “I Just Came By To Thank You For Wrecking My Life,” to the closing track, “Let’s Just Say AA Was A Waste Of Time,” the band took listeners on a journey through their own personal struggles. Vulnerability is something music sometimes lacks, but Scarlet Street brought just that. Being open to their listeners brings a sense of comfort. We are all bound by the simplest of things- like our personal struggles. The band is normalizing “taboo” topics that need to be discussed within our modern society- like mental health. Through the art of music, this album can bring a sense of normalcy to ourselves.
The self-titled album is filled with anthemic sounding tracks but if you deep-dive into their lyrics, it reveals a story. There is nothing light about the lyrics. In “Dealey Plaza,” “Some days it would be easier to leave all this behind and go down south / To some place where no one will try to find me”, transforms listeners into the life of the writers. Would taking yourself out of a bad situation fix everything? When we are struggling, our bodies first instinct is to take yourself out of the situation to put yourself at ease. Is this best for us? Only we will know that.
Scarlet Street’s new album represents what the band wants to be seen as. Their comical titles with a sense a vulnerability brings a new meaning to music. Not only do the lyrics bring the listeners on a journey, the instruments elevate that aspect. Scarlet Street is inventing a brand for themselves, and honestly, they are pretty good at it.
