Los Angeles rock band Say Anything is back with a brand new song after ending their four-year break from music earlier this year with the release of “Psyche!”
Officially ending their hiatus back in April with “Psyche!” Say Anything have released another new single. Entitled “Are You (In) There?” this new release is a passionate testament to love and being in love. Instrumentals that begin soft, slow, and simple, then crescendo into intricate melodies and a fast-paced tempo support the lyrics, almost mirroring the “slowly then all at once” concept of falling in love.
Formed in Los Angeles in 2000, Say Anything is the brainchild of vocalist and founding member Max Bemis. While the band’s roster has featured different musicians, their current lineup consists of longtime drummer Coby Linder, former members Parker Case on keyboards and Alex Kent on bass, and newest editions Brian Warren (Weatherbox) on guitar and Fred Mascherino (Taking Back Sunday) on guitar and effects.
In 2018, the band announced they were taking an indefinite break; however, Bemis took to Instagram last year, saying they were reuniting in 2023 for the When We Were Young festival. “Psyche!” marks Say Anything’s first single post-hiatus and their latest song, “Are You (In) There?” further solidifies their comeback.
Speaking on the new single, Max Bemis stated, “This is another love song for my wife, replete with the trappings that come with being in love for fifteen years for the first time, praying to Lucifer that I get another seventy-five years at the very least.” The raw, ardent lyrics of “Are You (In) There?” fortify this sentiment. Bemis also cleverly includes a nod to his wife, Eisley vocalist Sherri DuPree’s music with the line “Floods these ducts ’til I give it up / Shamelessly serenading me with Eisley.”
Through the years, Say Anything’s music has fallen under several genres, including alternative, emo, pop-punk, and indie rock. However, with “Are You (In) There?” the band pulls different aspects from all of the above to create a sound that is uniquely theirs. Combining the emotional lyrics and softness of emo and avant-garde structure and vocals of alternative with the upbeat energy and catchy choruses of pop-punk, sonically Say Anything’s newest release is an original masterpiece. With multiple aspects of various rock subgenres flawlessly mixed into one song, “Are You (In) There?” can only be defined by what it is at its core- rock music.
An emotional love song with an infectious energy, “Are You (In) There?” is a beautiful work of art. With two new releases under them, Say Anything is officially back and ready to rock. “Are You (In) There?” is available now on major streaming platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
A Baltimore, MD based writer with a passion for all things music. My aim as a journalist is to stay true to the voice and vision of the artists I’m covering. https://writingbytaylordakota.godaddysites.com/
Subscribe to Alchemical Records today to support our efforts online and in print.
Join the Alchemical Records Street Team to promote these and other artists, live music, and music community organizations & events while receiving cool perks from artists throughout the region.
Recent Articles In his fifth single since debuting as an artist in 2022, Daniel Cohen reveals what is perhaps his most pop-driven track yet, “Star
Flow-bending artist aSanTIS discusses art, culture, and whether sound can solve the world’s problems in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
My interview with Amy Santis aka aSanTIS began in the most unexpected way. The Maryland-based flow-bending artist and lyrical storyteller came prepared to engage in conversation around questions I had posed – and she also brought one or two of her own thoughtful prompts based on her curiosities around my view of learning.
This practice of taking in her surroundings deeply through observation and inquiry has come naturally to aSanTIS ever since she was a young child. In terms of her early starts in music, she notes that she began as a discerning listener. “Just listening to music from my mom, on the radio, just being a consumer in the world of sound. But I think mainly, my mom has always loved dancing and listening to music, so that was sort of like second nature. We play music at gatherings, we play music in the car, and these songs are sort of like diaries that take us into a specific place.”
Recent Articles Jimmy T’s Place launches on all major platforms Oct 6 True to form, dirty shirt rock n’ roll band One Way Out, originally
Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
