I’m sorry. But the old Stinkus can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, ’cause in this latest release, you will meet a whole new one! Out will the old, in with the new. Stinkus goes with an explosive album entitled “23”, a 14-track story that explores themes of heartbreak, loss, healing, and self-discovery.
This debut album is a vast difference from Stinkus’ usual crafts which usually are products of pop. In this release, he dives into a personal level of production. It is unfiltered, emotional, raw, and mostly fueled by his own personal experience.
This album started to develop days after the artist’s break up with his long-term partner. “This album is a lot of me processing that relationship, the damage her abuse did to me, and exploring new, healthier relationships,” Stinkus revealed. It has become his outlet while battling with the complexities of his emotions, shattered being after the abuse that he had gone through, and his struggles to confront life in general. Stinkus bore his soul when he created this 14-track album for the world to listen to and relate to.
This release features a powerful track entitled “23”. It is filled with Stinkus’ signature acoustic sound as presented throughout this album. At first listen, this track sounds light, as it contains an easy-to-remember tone and easy-to-remember melody. But don’t be fooled, one thing that I have observed that this artist is good at is hiding the complex and heavy written emotions in light and simple strums of this guitar. The song is about youth and how you are young, in love, and could be stupid at the age of 23. How you would believe someone if they say they love you though you are not sure if it’s true? This is a relatable song that bears heavy meaning though very light and simple as a song.
Speaking of relatable, “Spiral” is a track that goes with that description well. It is a track that explores the uncertainties that you feel about yourself, about everything – after going through a certain situation. This track has themes that discuss suicide, and how things feel like spiraling around you when things don’t go your way. This track is packed with emotions and great vocals. This track definitely hits close (to me).
Moving on to the next with the track, “Gone For Good”, now this track is interesting. While this track is still packed with the signature acoustic sound of Stinkus, it feels explosive. In my personal perspective, this song is packed with emotions to the point of explosion. I honestly felt scared while listening to this, but regardless it was a great musical experience.
“Summer Day” is my favorite track in this album. It is a track that only has a calm and soothing sound, and at the middle of the track comes the narration of the poem “The Grasshopper”. This part is where the sense of hope comes in. After going through all the hardships, a person can go on and still find their purpose.
Overall, “23” is a whole lot of listening experience. It is complex, heavy, and deep. The songs were raw, yet you know that the lyrics were all carefully written as they translate and resonate to your core as you listen to them. This album is very relatable for everyone who has ever experienced the same heartbreak as Stinkus had. Undeniably, this is a great release. Be sure to check out more of Stinkus’ music!
Amongst the tracks that were released in this album are “IAm”, “Rodeo Mary”, “Fucked Up Song”, “Not Like Dying”, “Follow”, “Good Luck, Good Love”, “Star”, “Something to Eat”, “Fall/Restart”, and “mollie”. Be sure to check out this music and experience more of Stinkus! “23” is now available on streaming platforms!
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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.
