Cherry Chapstick is the newest single from Chris Quesnel. An up-and-coming artist based in Canada. Let’s do a deep dive and read what makes Cherry Chapstick unique.
Starting the song off, you can already hear the alternative emo influence coming in. The melodic guitar riff is a mood setter for what’s to come in a few minutes. What I find interesting in this track is the layout. For the most part, the usual layout of a typical song starts with the Intro, Verse, Refrain, Chorus, and so on right? But for this track, Chris purposely started with the chorus which is genius because of how it’s introduced.
The first chorus doesn’t sound like the main hook of the song at all. As a songwriter and a music lover, every time I listen to a track I already have a hunch of what the verse or the chorus is from just listening to it once because of the difference in melody.
The song is wordy but structured. Chris Quesnel’s strength is his ability to create a lyrical flow that is easily understood. The song talks about the complexity of a relationship. Chris is battling the same thoughts that a lot of us have experienced. You know I never wanna let you go but now I won’t lie I think I’m better off alone is the same phrase that a lot of us have experienced making this a song for the once and still confused lover.
The distorted guitar sound of the second chorus alongside the beautiful melodic riff is just a chef’s kiss. This part alone made me look back to my early years listening to The Used, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday, and other bands that once touched my emo heart.
Chris Quesnel showed his lyrical and melodic prowess once again by introducing a different rhythm to the bridge part. When I listened to the song for the first time, I thought there was a delay somewhere but after the fifth time, you can hear the change in rhythm and melody that became a perfect transition to the chorus. The use of the double bass drum pattern coming into the last chorus is the perfect transition to that sweet breakdown. The stank face came out obviously.
Cherry Chapstick is the perfect blend of alternative emo with a modern touch. The chorus is catchy because of its melodic rhythm. The track can easily resonate with anyone on a personal level making it criminally underrated.
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About the Author
He has been in the music industry for two and a half decades. Currently, he plays bass guitar for a rock-reggae band called EnjointPh and a funk-fusion trio called Banky. He also hosts a podcast titled Usapang Musiko with Ervin Besana, which explores topics such as music, arts, and philosophy.
