Grab onto a shared feeling of connection and energy by listening to “Life Raft” from artist Sid Dorey. With the angst of pop-punk bands and a sound that blends pop, pop punk, alternative, in addition to genres with various other specificities, Dorey reflects on a troubling former relationship in this new track. “Life Raft” is a love letter to classic pop/punk elements both in sound and meaning, including elements like hard-hitting drums and melodic guitar strumming in addition to definitive, pain-filled lyrics. In addition to having an early 2000’s/pop-punk charm, Dorey includes elements that are popular and now used in modern pop music. References like choosing to not respond to texts due to relationship turmoil and the struggle to keep a plant alive is heavily relevant to audiences of modern pop music – specifically millennials and gen-z. In similar fashion, Dorey uses layering of vocals and instruments to create a more whole, full-bodied sound. Not only is this now consistently used within pop music, and genres surrounding/incorporating it, but it also works to give “Life Raft” a complete sound that you can feel in your feet – much like classic punk and pop punk groups – with a unique flare.
From the very beginning of “Life Raft”, Dorey’s vocals stuck out to me. The way their voice meshes with the instrumental part of the song relays, to me personally, that they are in their element and knows what they are doing. The song flows together wonderfully and represents feelings represented well within the complexities of being young, as well as feelings that can additionally hit home for people across the board – no matter age. It’s an energetic production, both embodying fun and the struggle of heartache & relationship-related issues. Upon my first listen, I found myself more drawn to the initial sound of “Life Raft”. By my second listen, truly hearing the words Dorey is saying, I simply couldn’t help but nod my head in agreement and connect with the song even more. With the route Dorey is taking, I cannot wait to delve more into their world of angst and understanding.
Sid Dorey is a 23-year-old Indie Pop artist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Their music revolves around sad themes, yet are disguised as “happy songs” in sound. The themes they like to explore through their music involve discussing & navigating religious trauma, love, and family & relationship trauma. With a background in musical theater, they have been led to show emotional vulnerability and express themselves through music & art. In addition to these topics and openness, Sid’s platform and music is about sharing real, raw experiences and celebrating queer people. Their music has reached queer people through various platforms, such as TikTok, and their messages and interactions with others revolves around celebrating queer happiness. Sid’s platform, and narrative, is one that resonates with many others and aims to elevate the people involved with it.
Written By Madison Spies
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