Mike Shinoda has now released two more songs to announce his debut solo album, Post Traumatic, which will be out in June; "Crossing A Line" & "Nothing Makes Sense Anymore". Both of these songs continue to show the ways in which Shinoda is coping with the loss of his former bandmate and dear friend, Chester Bennington. As the first batch of songs did back in January, these new songs tackle the struggles of coping with loss and grief and how to begin moving past it.
Both of the songs look at very different aspects of these stages and utilize music to convey the spectrum and diversity of emotions experienced. "Nothing Makes Sense Anymore" is unique in how it features no drum parts whatever, simply building off of vocals, keyboards, and synths to create the layers and depth it conveys. The beginning synth progression reminds me a bit of "FML" by Kanye West, in the haunting vibe it creates, but obviously in a bit of a different direction. The lack of drums or percussion helps add to the vulnerability that the song displays on full force, with some of the more sorrowful and powerful Mike lyrics/vocals in a long time. The bridge is especially devastating in it's simplicity and darkness:
"I’m a call without an answer
I’m a shadow in the dark
Trying to put it back together
As I watch it fall apart"
It's not an easy song to listen to, especially if you've experienced pain and loss like Mike is singing about. But it is stunning in the way you can feel the song push and pull you, waves of emotions crashing and tumbling in an impossibly huge and dark ocean of despair. It's heavy, but incredible at the same time.
"Crossing A Line", on the other hand, immediately feels very different from the previous song. Beginning with just synths, piano, and vocals, it sits for a moment before the beat kicks in and the mood is instantly set. Lighter, bouncing along as Mike sings to his bandmates (see his verified commentary for the lyrics on Genius) and reassures them that they are not forgotten, that he is not abandoning them in this solo project. He is using this platform and space to heal and express the grief he is going through, and wants the rest of Linkin Park know that they are still his best friends and he values them dearly. Lines like the opening chorus
"And they’ll tell you I don’t care anymore
And I hope you’ll know that’s a lie"
really demonstrate his desire to make sure the people most important to him understand how he feels and what he needs to do with this music. The song does all of this in a very upbeat and pop-centered song, which to me feels a lot like what Linkin Park was doing with One More Light. To be honest, I feel like this attempt worked better than some of the songs on the record. It's catchy, it steadily grooves along, all the while with lyrics that actually mean something significant.
I was already excited for new music from Shinoda, but these songs build the anticipation even more (especially since there will be 16 songs on the album!!!). His abilities as a musician and songwriter are shining even more now, and revealing the scope of his musical vision. He is not just the rapper from Linkin Park, he's not just the guy who does Fort Minor, he is a multi-talented musician with the ability to delve into different genres and sounds and create natural and organic sounds. Cheers to your upcoming album Mike, and the fantastic music you've already shared with us.
Rating: 5/5
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