In keeping with his nostalgic brand of dreampop and indie rock, Austin-raised singer-songwriter EVNTYD is channeling that energy once again on “I’m Dead” off of the newly released Lifelines.
The sophomore album, which EVNTYD mind Julián Berdegué describes as “The heavy and steadfast confessional I wasn’t going to finish,” marks a turning point now that the once solo project born out of quarantine expands its collaborators and shows off top-notch quality.
Contrary to the title, Berdegué knows how to exhilarate. The screeching guitar cold open and thumping drums at the offset of “I’m Dead” are the sort of thing you hear on your college radio station in the aughts. And although the glimmering production is, without a doubt, worth highlighting, it’s the lyrics that pull you in.
When you start your verse with “For the love of killing time / My days are numbered now,” it’s not hard to imagine a listener moving closer to understand. While the relatively upbeat instrumentation teases at a more cathartic message, Berdegué’s vocals, full of desperation, go on to sing about a love he’d die for just to feel again.
Even though the lyrics tell a different story compared to the sweet swirl of elements from pop, indie rock, and everything in between, there’s never the sense that Berdegué doesn’t know what he’s doing. Instead, you’re left with the engrossing atmosphere of “I’m Dead,” as well as the rest of the Lifelines tracklist.
Visit EVNTYD on Instagram and his Bandcamp to stay updated on new releases and tour dates.
Listen to “I’m Dead” the new single from EVNTYD.
