Lil Lotus: Bleeding For The Music
Relationships can be complicated. Intense and full of emotions, they can leave behind ever-lasting vivid memories and marks that shape us. Whilst in the ebb of the turbulence and chaos sometimes handed to us on a plate, individuals can often feel alone. However, through various media we usually find out that this is not always the case. Musicians everywhere provide heart-wrenching lyrics and relatable content that speaks to many of their listeners. While, each musician is different, a variety of narratives turn-up in the twists and turns of every genre, revealing many of us go through similar experiences. Dedicated to resonating with his listeners, LIL LOTUS has created Nosebleeder.
A collection of 14 authentic tracks, the Texas-born singer flaunts his pop-punk prowess whilst focusing on his relationships to people, addiction and mental health. “I was trying to figure out how do I fix all these things in my life? How do I not be drained?” He states about his latest creation.
Released on December 1st 2023, this latest release, whilst similar in LIL LOTUS’ continued want to relate has developed significantly since his first release ERRØR BØY. “I feel like a lot of songs are just me singing in the hope that somebody connects to the topics,” he says.
Through his own straight-to-the-point honest lyrics, he manages to easily capture candid topics. The overall experience of the 14 songs show a whole variety of explored relationships sung wistfully including, his own past experiences with toxicity and even how he views the partying experience in LA.
Centre-piece Nosebleeder is at the forefront of this concept. The punchy three minute number talks about the brutal cycle of endless partying and its redundancy. Filled with awesome guitar riffs, he croons about drug usage and its cultures among youth. With soaring numbers of people admitting to having taken substances recreationally, his straight to the point lyrics ‘I can taste the cocaine on your tongue’ highlight the complexities of potential addictions, creating a tune that not only connects to those who have been tinged by these problems but also by those who know them.
“Some of it’s pretty dark, but the more I looked at myself, the more I created things that I could really feel,” he reveals. Its this development, that sets this album apart from his debut, with his past self previously admitting he would sometimes embellish narratives and instead focus more on the light-heartedness of the ‘sadboy’ stereotype.
A more polished sophomore album, Nosebleeder takes on heavier subjects head first, with LIL LOTUS noting that his own process when creating music has become stricter. “I spend more time perfecting and being creative now. I tended to run with more things in my earlier days.” Having channelled into these emotions and really sitting with them, its easy to see that this new music has been taken further than his past releases.
While the themes such as mental-health and negative feelings in both romantic and platonic relationships are traversed across the albums entirety, it isn’t supposed to be swathed in misery.
Instead LIL LOTUS‘ vision for Nosebleeder was more of an enjoyable emo-esque ride. With sounds reminiscent of the nostalgic pop-punk of the early 2000’s, his creativity that has littered the darkness into his lyrics is supposed to have you jamming out. “Even if you’re in the middle of nowhere, I want Nosebleeder to be an enjoyable experience.”
This is personified in Hailey’s Comet. Performed in true pop-punk melancholy fashion, the song is a classic example of nostalgic sounds being made excitingly new. The three minute long track contains a more downtempo feel that is fun, yet the lyrics still carry the weight of talking about missing someone who doesn’t miss you back.
With at least five features across the album, each song contains catchy lyrics over alternative riffs that manage to stick in your head. Clearly influenced by earlier emo and pop-punk sounds, the compositions in each track are one to be championed, creating a dark but entertaining listen. A clear step up in the maturity than that of his previous work.
LIL LOTUS‘ ability to grow his craft since his debut, is one to be admired. His creativity changes and capacity to look inwards have created a seriously cool album. It takes a deep dive into darker themes whilst still managing to capture the quirky vocal hooks often seen in this genre.
Using his own experiences with different relationships is LIL LOTUS‘ win here, if he continues on this path, he’s sure to connect to his listeners whilst providing one hell of a pop-punk soundscape. Nosebleeder is sure to leave its own mark and memories whilst cementing itself as genuine release.
Nosebleeder is out now via Epitaph Records.
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