Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, but breaking the mold of Country music expectations of the capital city, Indie-Pop / Alt-Rock band COIN has released their new album I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore. Released on September 13, 2024, through 10K Projects (under Warner Music Group), their sixth overall studio album continues to build their discography past their two EPs released over a decade ago.
This is COIN’s third record label since their self-titled debut in 2015, but their second album with 10K Projects. Their last, 2022’s Uncanny Valley, was a more experimental release with many strange sounds. Overall, it left a good first impression because of how interesting it was, but the music did not stick as well as some of their earlier releases that had more radio or conventional appeal. After that release, they went on tour to unleash their hi-fi uncanny sound on live stages, and afterward, took a short two-year break. Fast forward to 2024, they took time cooking in the studio, are back with I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore, and have already scheduled a North American tour to launch on September 29th. Something to look out for, it will be exciting to see what has changed and stayed the same; because this new album relies on itself as a part of Pop, instead of the quirky sound that gave a lot of appeal on the last tour.
That being said, COIN has an interesting set of unique techniques. From the mixing of electric and acoustic guitars to the eccentric style of their members and photoshoots, COIN is extravagant and authentically strange. This gives them a flair that is not trying to push outward onto an audience for appeal. Instead, it creates an inviting essence that welcomes others willing to be authentic versions of themselves. This feeling is expanded upon with I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore which addresses fears COIN faces within everyday life. This includes everything from romance and social anxiety to impostor syndrome and overt selfishness.
One of the key tracks is “Sing Along,” which has a fun soundscape that, if expanded upon with a few more twinkling noises and crescendos, feels like something off Radiohead’s 2007 album In Rainbows. This is attributed to Lawrence’s airy singing and lyrics, but also the simple chord progression that allows the background noise to live on its own instead of feeling like a strict accompaniment to the vocals. Another impressionable song is the pre-released single “Strawberry Jam,” which checks the boxes for a potent Pop song. Exciting electric guitar? Fun and outlandish lyrics? Unique bridge kitted out with whistles and a harmonica? Check, check, and check!
In a way, many of the tracks on I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore hit the mark and do a good job of sculpting a put-together album that feels comfortable while still kicking with eccentricity. However, some may fall short of this praise and end up feeling like they could use an extra round of workshopping. Whether it be the lackluster lyrics of “222,” or the repetition that haunts “Along For The Ride” and “Slack,” some might feel that there are songs that are not too memorable. Luckily these are the anomalies on an otherwise exciting album. For example, “Problem” oozes with emotion and sound progressing through a sadistic point of view that juxtaposes the kicking snare drum, along with intense electric audio. On the other hand, “Olivia” has a slower melody with low guitar notes combined with Lawrence’s hopeless romantic aesthetic to create an encapsulating Alt-Pop experience.
Much like their title suggests, COIN seems to have found their stride and rekindled old roots in their new album I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore. With music that snaps into place and a cohesive connection between band members Chase Lawrence, Ryan Winnen, and Joe Memmel, the sound of this album is reminiscent of their earlier releases which have a Pop emphasis. Melodic Rock with sappy lyrics and a healthy mix of snappy highs and intense emotional lows creates an album that has solidified COIN’s spot in the new Alt Pop scene. That is why Cryptic Rock gives I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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