Autoheart

As promised, here is the supplemental post containing my thoughts specifically on some of the songs I’ve listened to by the Indie artist, Autoheart.

In case you missed the related post, Hungover in the City of Dust, I recently wanted to listen to some new music and had no idea what to listen to. Spotify helped me out, and I stumbled across Autoheart. While it turns out that I don’t really like Indie music in general, I do like the music created by Autoheart. I know my thoughts on these individual songs are not especially interesting, but the reason why I started this blog was to be intentional about what I do so that I can get to know myself.

Part of that is really considering my thoughts, and writing about them is the avenue through which I choose to do this. Hence the birth of this blog and this less interesting post.

Basically this post is more for me than it is for any readers, so feel free to take a glance and go on to the next post haha

Without further ado, my thoughts on some music by Autoheart.

From what I can tell, general themes in Autoheart’s music are centered around romantic relationships and struggles with mental health. I specifically use the phrase “romantic relationships” as opposed to “love” because there is nothing even remotely identifiable as love in their lyrics. It’s all about dysfunctional relationships. Maybe some self love sprinkled in there, but no love between two people.

I find the lyrics mildly annoying and whiny at times, which is why I didn’t like most of the music of this genre. What I do really like about their music, though is that they tend to be very creative with the poetry of the lyrics and how they play with the melodies. They’re fun to sing along with, which we’ve already discussed is a major plus in my book.

Stalker’s Tango – This one is their most popular song. It’s fun and interesting because it is a tango. But the words are disturbing to me because it literally is someone singing from the point of view of someone who is obsessed with another. I am not sure what the purpose of the song is, and I’d like to take it as comedic, but I also know that some will listen to this song unironically, and that squicks me out.

Lent – A clever concept, they’re singing about giving up someone who is not good for them, much like the tradition of giving up a vice for lent. I can’t say that I relate to all of the lyrics in this song, but I think it’s fun and mostly relatable.

Moscow – I don’t really get this one. It sounds like it belongs on a Rom Com movie soundtrack. The singer is inviting his lover to go to Moscow together, and it seems like it’s more of a casual encounter. Until he talks about getting a dog? That was very random.

Hungover in the City of Dust – Ah yes, the reason why we are here. I think this song is beautiful. I love the opening piano and the bridge melody. The sentiment of the song is both nostalgic and dejected, which is a pretty relatable feeling; I think we’ve all been there. Hopefully we don’t stay there, but I feel like this song takes me to that place briefly — long enough to feel those emotions while also enjoying the beauty of the song. I dunno, it balances out somehow.

Agoraphobia – I can’t tell if this song is written from the point of view with someone who has agoraphobia and is in denial or if it’s someone who has difficulties with their mental health in terms of depression or trauma. In any case, I find this song intriguing and beautiful.

My Hallelujah – I love this song. It’s an empowering statement of someone who recognizes that their relationship is toxic, and they aren’t crying about it, they’re calling out the toxicity and moving on. Though I can’t fully relate to the situation in the song, this is the sort of power song that I’d listen to on repeat.

Beat the Love – Aaand on the other hand, while this song is also about someone recognizing the impossible position they’re in within a toxic relationship, I don’t like this song. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but the music itself is uninteresting, and the lyrics are not compelling, and I can’t find anything to like about it.

Foolishly Wrong – Another breakup song that is middle of the line. I don’t dislike it the way I do Beat the Love, but I don’t love it like My Hallelujah. The words are very direct and literal, which is fine, but I prefer the artistry found in some of the other songs. The music is not annoying, but there’s nothing interesting about it; it’s generic.

Wretch – This song is sad in some sense, but part of me finds it ironic. On the one hand, it makes me sad because I know there are so many people who truly identify with this song, who feel so hopeless and are looking for someone, anyone to save them. Being in a position like that where someone is so starved of love is a terrible place to be in. At one point, I was there.

At the same time, I wonder if this song is meant to be ironic. The religious song Amazing Grace has the lyrics Amazing grace, how sweet the sound / that saved a wretch like me. And so I wonder if it was meant to sarcastically ask to be saved. Based on the needy vibes Autoheart gives off, though, I’d say I’m reading too much into it.

I Know That He Loves Me – If this song is not ironic, I can’t even. This has to be a commentary on how, when in the middle of a toxic relationship, the victim of emotional abuse is so wrapped up in the mind games of the toxic partner that they ignore all red flags and convince themselves that the manipulation is love. I mean it better be.

The song itself is a little boring, and I’d probably skip it if it came up in a playlist.

Scorpio – I mostly like this song. I think it’s fun and interesting. I especially like that I learned a new word. “Stultifying” means stifling, and I had never seen this word before. Once again, calling out the dysfunction of the relationship they’re in and asking their toxic partner to let them go. How many different songs can you make about the same thing? I guess Autoheart is on a mission to find out.

All in all, Autoheart is not top of my favorites (obviously). They’re middle of the pack for me. There are some songs that I enjoy, many that I don’t. When I don’t want to have my ears blasted with metal or electronica, I will be turning to some select Autoheart songs that are beautiful, creative, and fun. I wish they had more of that, and I will be on the lookout for more of that kind of music.

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Two things!

One, please note that the names of everyone in this blog have been altered to protect the people I write about. My main goal is to explore my experiences and my growth, not air anyone’s dirty laundry out. Any likeness to people you know in real life are probably coincidental. (I mean what are the chances? It’s a pretty big world!)

Two, the thoughts and opinions I express in this blog are merely a result of my personal experiences to this point in my life. If there is anything I have misrepresented, overlooked, or have a blind spot for, feel free to leave a comment or email me at contact@livingbetween.net. (Yes, this includes typos. Let me fix my typos, please!) All I ask is that you always remain respectful.

Talk soon!
– Lynda –