2/14 – Crystal Ball (2023)
Formed approximately four years ago pre-pandemic by frontman Sky Carlson, 2/14 is an exuberant, enthusiastic and high-paced pair from the USA. Originally Carlson’s songwriting project while he taught himself to play the guitar, the pop-punk meets emo duo began carving a niche for themselves in the US scene. Draw together Carlson’s vocals and guitar with Ben Bustamante’s drumming, and you have something filled with attitude and raw energy. Come with us as we look at (or rather listen to) their debut single ‘Crystal Ball’.
Leaning toward the hard-hitting pop-punk bands of yesteryear, Carlson and Bustamante’s sound has the punk intensity of The Offspring and Sum 41, but the pop-rock bounce of Blink 182, Simple Plan and Fall Out Boy. Pounding drums smash against Carlson’s gruff vocals creating a bit of a chaotic single. Interestingly enough, while there is a frenzied madness to ‘Crystal Ball’, a thread of harmony can be found within the song. It is as if you know things are all over the place, but organised chaos seems to ensue wrapping ‘Crystal Ball’ up in a messy package.
As with Sum 41, Simple Plan and The Offspring, 2/14 are more than just aggressive melodies – there’s depth beneath the mosh pit tune. Filled with recklessness, angst and teenage abandon, the lads bring vulnerability to audiences in ‘Crystal Ball’. The lyrics “your crystal ball isn’t crystal clear, so bide your time and forget it while we’re here” capture the dissociative disdain youngsters experience in these uncertain times. It’s a slap in the face with 2/14 telling us to wake up, do something and be a little less cavalier about society.
Bold, brash and filled with aggressive vitality, 2/14 knock me to the ground with their debut single ‘Crystal Ball’.
For more from 2/14, check out their official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
