Oreaganomics – Cost of Living Wild (2025)
Brimming with experimental blends of various styles from soul to trap, folk, jazz and even a shift of rock and grunge in their older material, Oreaganomics takes listeners on a trippy sonic journey with each astounding song. As much as you can lose yourself in the kaleidoscopic rush of mishmash music, the US-based band is more than a wild few minutes of sound – they capture the profoundness of life in all its grit and glory. The latest addition to their discography is the single, ‘Cost of Living Wild’.
Following their full-length album And Introducing…shane!!!, ‘Cost of Living Wild’ is, well, it’s rather difficult to describe or label the song (or any of Oreaganomics’ other material, to be honest). A band not to be heard but to be experienced, the vibrancy and passion behind ‘Cost of Living Wild’ is like a bright hand pulling you into a multi-coloured sonic river.
Soft and soothing, you wade into glistening water soaking in the languid vocals – warm, charming, tender, and intoxicating. A rush of tranquil music shimmers along the dark water, and a sense of “oh, that’s so cool” seeps into your skin. Yet, as much as the bold beats bring a captivating freshness to the melody, intricate complexity lingers beneath – an ebb and flow of life’s darkness, its light, its optimism, and its tragedy.
Melodically, ‘Cost of Living Wild’ is a silky concoction of light-hearted, laidback instruments and vocals; however, that intricate complexity I mentioned is not to be ignored. The band explains:
“It’s a homage to styles we love while also talking about the current cost of living crisis in the US… ‘Cost of Living Wild’ stands out for its enchanting yet eccentric sound, mirroring the unpredictability of existence itself… It’s pretty but weird, like life.”
One of the most intriguing aspects of ‘Cost of Living Wild’ – or at least in my opinion – is the production style. Created using phone apps, Oreaganomics highlights modern-day technology and creative progression while retaining the vintage sounds of artistic soul. I have but one complaint regarding ‘Cost of Living Wild’: it’s far too short. I am eager to hear more from this unusual group, but until then, I’ll be content with some of their older work.
Find out more about Oreaganomics on their Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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