Review: Northbound - Death of a Slug
[Self-released; 2014]
Rating: 7/10
By Megan Fair, Copy Chief
Key Tracks: “Lucky Sentimental,” “Actor,” “Kiss”
Jonathon Fraser may only be 20, but he’s somehow already managed to gather all the best elements of punk, pop-punk, acoustic singer/songwriting and emo to throw them together to create a well-rounded, unforgettable and strikingly human sound with immense crossover appeal. His work under the moniker Northbound has, up until now, been marked by beautiful and honest, emotional acoustic tracks.
Such sensibilities have been tossed out the window for half of Death Of A Slug to make room for punchy, gut-kicking full-band backdrops for Fraser’s storytelling. The other half of the album delivers consistent, large and warm acoustic tracks mastered by Mat Kerekes of Citizen. Death Of A Slug’s lyrics, arguably Northbound’s most captivating musical ingredient, are equal parts mature imagery and young adult vernacular.
“Lucky Sentimental” is not only the best song on the record, but it’s also the first. Bouncy, angsty and uptempo, Fraser unleashes youthful honesty over a catchy-as-hell musical canvas, kicking off the track with big open notes and the lyrics, “You know I’m not the type to let shit like this go / But I still want to watch Twin Peaks and nap all day / And kiss the curve in your clavicle.”
Just as fast as “Lucky Sentimental” ends, “Leech” arrives with its darker sound and grittier delivery, and right after is “Everyone But Me,” a fast and lyrically furious punk-laced track to round out the full-band songs.
“6am Beer Man” has been revamped from its As Long As The Sun Is Up acoustic origin, and the lyrics tug extra hard on the heartstrings as Fraser grits, “It all looks the same / It all feels the same without you.” Though not as much of a jam as “Lucky Sentimental,” it’s one of the standout electric tracks and is worthy of note.
As Death Of A Slug transitions back into a fully-acoustic sound, the energy droops some, but not for lack of talent or interest. The transition is eased in by the slower “The Effort Is Never Worth The Outcome,” and the acoustic tracks feel big and full in comparison to the sounds present in the album's first half. These tracks are simply more suited to moping around and really soaking in the lyrics.
For example, acoustic bummer-fest “Kiss” features some of the rawest lyrics on the record: “The saddest part is I could see us growing old / But you’re indecisive and all you say is ‘I don’t know’ / My mother said ‘When you see the one you will know’ / It’s hard to think / That I’ve been wrong for three years and I will always be alone.”
Another track that shines on the acoustic spectrum is “Actor,” a critical lament filled with admittance of character flaws. “Actor” represents the common experience of being endlessly indecisive and loathing oneself, as well as growing frustrated with love interests when things get hairy. Especially when insecurity and minimal self-esteem are major characters in the plot: “I’m running out of air to breathe / And you’re pretty good for me / I’m all that you want and need / But I won’t kiss you unless someone else is ignoring me / It’s fucked up.”
While the acoustic tracks are great, this reviewer is particularly looking forward to hearing more full-band songs in the future. These tracks provide a certain energy that make his stories become lyrical home-runs. For now, Death Of A Slug is a teasing taste of Northbound’s impossibly bright future.
