Summer is the perfect season for bold changes and new discoveries. Still can’t find the song that will define your summer even with the infinite list of bangers? We got you!
We would like to introduce you to Vast Robot Armies, the crunchy melodic rock band based in Toronto and Kansas! The band released an EP last June 11, 2024, entitled Somewhere In The Middle. This EP contains two songs, Dinner Music Redeux and Sound of Japan. These two songs act like a rocket ship, ready to transport you somewhere otherworldly. With its unique beats and lyrics, this EP is bound to be your new summer anthem.
Dinner Music Redeux, according to Vast Robot Armies, represents a complete and fresh revision of a song initially released from one of their earlier albums. This new version has been redone and revitalized with contributions from the newer members: Paul Malinowski and Michael Dulin. The fresh take on this track brings a renewed energy and perspective. If you listen to this song, it gives off the vibes of a Y2K plot and is perfect to be included as one of the official soundtracks of a coming-of-age movie set in the 2000s, think of 17 Again and Legally Blonde. The blend of the instruments and a masterful production make this song an earworm. It will most definitely be included in your list of songs that give last-song syndrome. I seldom fall in love with songs at first listen, and this one is probably one of them.
The EP’s other song, Sound of Japan, takes on a gentler approach in terms of melody compared to the former song. Trivia about this song is that Sound of Japan was an unreleased/unfinished song that was originally demoed for the album Paper Crown Parade. It was first demoed with Failure drummer Kellii Scott, but then torn down to the Studs and reworked with Shiner drummer, Jason Gerken, and Shiner bassist, Paul Malinowski. The newest member, Michael Dulin, added guitars and vocal concepts to the finished product. Sound of Japan also gives off the vibe of an early 2000s movie, but more on the romance side. Imagine a Nicholas Sparks movie. Because of the song’s melody and instrumental, it is also perfect to listen to when you just want to relax.
The combination of these two songs in an EP might be a bizarre mix to some, but it surprisingly works. Vast Robot Armies’s Dinner Music Redux and Sound of Japan provide a good contrast that shows their ability to blend different music styles together. This is one of the things that makes “Somewhere In The Middle,” by Vast Robot Armies, such an appealing and memorable listen. The band member’s mastery to their craft and their love for music is evident and were showing through this EP. This makes it worth the listen, and this is why it might be your next favorite summer bop!
Follow Vast Robot Armies
About the Author
Angel Mariah Rodiel – Mari to the people she’s fond of – is a BA Literature student currently studying in Central Luzon State University. Writing, arts, and music are some of the things she’s been most passionate about ever since she was a kid. Mari’s little dream is to build a band that will open for Paramore’s concert someday. Pop-punk and alternative rock are her comfort music genres, K-pop and J-rock comes close as third and fourth.
