COIN's Triumphant Return: Embracing Authenticity and Vulnerability

The Nashville-based trio COIN, consisting of Chase Lawrence, Ryan Winnen, and Joe Memmel, has returned with their fifth studio album, "I'm Not Afraid of Music Anymore." This album serves as a testament to the band's commitment to authenticity and vulnerability, as they confront their fears and share them openly with the world.

Reclaiming Their Passion for Music

COIN's journey has been one of self-discovery and growth. After the release of their 2022 record, "Uncanny Valley," the band felt seemingly uninspired, with Lawrence expressing their exhaustion and the disconnection they felt from the music and from each other. However, this new album, "I'm Not Afraid of Music Anymore," marks a turning point for the band, as they embrace their fears and vulnerabilities, ultimately reclaiming their passion for music.The album's opening track, "It's Hard to Care About Everything," sets the tone, addressing the overwhelming choices and distractions that often consume our lives. With an easy chorus backed by a choir, the song sheds light on the importance of being selective in what we choose to surround ourselves with."Take It or Leave It" explores the concept of a relationship that ends slowly and painfully, with the narrator recognizing that their partner has already moved on. The song's bittersweet nature is accentuated by the inclusion of an electric guitar reminiscent of early 2000s rock, creating a nostalgic and introspective atmosphere.The band's self-referential nature is evident in "Asking for a Friend," where they call back to their previous song, "I Don't Wanna Dance," further cementing their commitment to their musical journey. This track delves into the concept of unrequited love, adding depth and emotional resonance to the album.

Embracing the Band's Evolution

"Slack," dubbed as "the most COIN song ever," serves as a love letter to the band's evolution, tying their journey together with a "loose knot." The song includes callbacks to longtime fan favorites, "Crash My Car" and "Talk Too Much," showcasing the band's ability to seamlessly integrate their past with their present.The album's exploration of relationships continues with "Along for the Ride," which suggests a surface-level connection, lacking the depth and authenticity that the band now seeks to embrace.Addressing the challenges of fame and the public eye, "Problem" immediately draws comparisons to 5 Seconds of Summer's "No Shame," both songs tackling the complexities of being recognized by the masses. The lyrics are cynical and mesh well with the album's rockiest song, reflecting the band's growth and maturity.

Exploring Metaphors and Symbolism

The album's use of fruit-themed song titles, such as "Blueberry Smoothie" and "Strawberry Jam," adds a layer of metaphor and symbolism to the overall narrative. These songs explore the idea of someone's lasting impression, as well as the narrator's inability to stay, despite their self-awareness.The dreamlike quality of "222" is enhanced by the piano twinkles and the lyrics' references to the "angel number," which can signify important partnerships and choices. The "Growing Song" delves into the concept of shedding an older version of oneself, with the instrumental break reminiscent of The 1975's interlude productions.

Embracing Vulnerability and Authenticity

The album's lead single, "Strawberry Jam," sets the tone for the band's newfound vulnerability and authenticity. Nostalgic and bittersweet, the upbeat song details the narrator's inability to stay, despite their self-awareness and apologies.The album's penultimate track, "Sing Along," explores the inevitable end of a relationship, even after working at it for so long. The lyrics' reference to making lemonade on his own earlier in the album adds a layer of bittersweet resolution to the song.The album concludes with "Leaving a Light On," a promise that the option to return to something, even after it has ended, is always there. This sentiment provides a comforting conclusion to the album's journey of self-discovery and the embrace of authenticity.COIN's "I'm Not Afraid of Music Anymore" is a testament to the band's growth and their commitment to honesty and vulnerability. By confronting their fears and sharing their experiences with the world, COIN has created an album that resonates deeply with listeners, inviting them to join in the band's journey of self-discovery and the reclamation of their passion for music.