While everyone wants to find instant success, it is much better to build toward something rather than fire off into the sky like a rocket, only to come crashing down to earth shortly after. Easier said than when you are in your twenties with anxious energy; fortunately for Singer-Songwriter Annie DiRusso, the simmer has led to exploration just waiting to burst with her debut full-length album Super Pedestrian.
Set for release on March 7, 2025, through her own Summer Soup Songs, it is important to understand that DiRusso has not just emerged from a portal out of another atmosphere but has worked hard to reach this point. Looking back, she first began releasing music back in 2017 and continued to do so into 2020 before the 2021 release of “Nine Months” attained viral status via TikTok. A great vehicle for a young artist to get noticed, the song “Coming Soon” went viral just months after that and has amassed DiRusso over twelve million streams on Spotify.
This was a pretty darn big accomplishment, and DiRusso has continued to pick up traction while out on tour with the likes of Declan McKenna, Djo, and Peach Pit, to name a few. Also, putting out the five-track EP God, I Hate This Place in 2023, after the release of singles like “Wet,” “Legs,” and “Wearing Pants Again” (featuring Ruston Kelly) in 2024, it seemed the natural next step would finally be a proper full-length album.
With that in mind, DiRusso most recently geared up for the release of Super Pedestrian with the release of “Back In Town,” adding more anticipation. These being four of the eleven tracks that make up the debut album, it is important to understand DiRusso’s diverse sound before diving deeper into it.
Originally from New York City but currently based in Nashville, Tennessee, DiRusso is dubbed by many as Indie Rock. However, that is a rather broad category that does not paint the entire picture. Explaining the music further, it is clear that DiRusso is a lyricist who wears her emotions on her sleeve and uses her songs as a platform to express anxiety, insecurity, and frustration, all with a bit of humor in between the lines. Doing this with an expressive singing approach, you could corner her sound into the shape of Pop Rock. However, there is also a strong leaning toward fuzzy, heavy guitars that give the feeling of Alternative Rock with an attitude.
Considering this, Super Pedestrian is an album with plenty of surprises. To start with, there are many heavy hitters in the collection, like the fantastic opening track “Ovid,” followed by “Leo,” Grunge-laden “I Am The Deer,” and the Garage Rock vibed “Hungry.” These are joined by more Pop-leaning singles like “Back In Town,” which tells a story of feeling like a second fiddle to someone, and “Legs,” which digs into the emotional stress of uncertainty. Although, as quirkier as it might be, you also cannot overlook the brief but fun “Derek Jeter.”
Overall, Annie DiRusso has an exceptional talent for turning her feelings (which clearly cut her rather deeply) into something entertaining. This approach is relatable no matter who you are, showing that DiRusso is maturing as a person and songwriter. So, if you enjoy music that is candid and emotional yet still has a razor edge of distorted Rock guitars and memorable melodies, Annie DiRusso is certainly recommended. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Super Pedestrian 4 out of 5 stars.
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