Now, now is a Minnesotan indie-rock band originally formed in Blaine, MN by Cacie Dalager (vocals, guitar, keyboard) and Bradley Hale (drums, backing vocals). I feel someone should make a movie of them, not only for the quality of their music and the personality of their members but their beginning in a high school marching band, where these two musicians met. This would be the ultimate Midwestern music blockbuster. I love it.
There is something unique going on with this band. I get chills. Perhaps their simple melodies crashing with the dissonance of post-rock arrangements and standout lyrics. Listening to some of their hits like Wolf and Prehistoric is like being hit by raw emotions again and again.
I also love the fact that they are from Minnesota. I have been around this state for a few years already and can relate to some of the feelings behind their songs or their writing. For instance, in one interview, Cacie Dalager spoke about it: "Being from Minnesota, it feels selfish talking about our feelings sometimes. I don’t want to say it feels self-centered to say how you are feeling, but you just power through, and you feel how you feel and deal with it." This sort of stoicism, for example, is a very interesting topic that appears in their songs. In my opinion, it's also a challenge to be overcome because their lyrics get lost below layer after layer of words to conceal their true meaning. Instead, some of their songs have the powerful message to explode in the sky like fireworks.
Their style has evolved over the years. Two different performances featured by the NPR attest that. Now, now's last performance is much better in quality. However, there is something sincere and honest in the first performance that I love and miss.
It's impossible to avoid the ongoing brawl between the fans of their old stuff and the new album. The main point of debate is the absence of Jess Abbot, the former guitar player of Now, now, who is legendary, and her contribution is palpable with the album Thread, perhaps one of the fucking best albums made in the 2010s. Jess Abbot pursued her solo project as Tancred (you should also check her out). It's funny, but I felt that what made me fall in love with this band was their chemistry together. To be fair, the core of this chemistry is Dalager-Hale, but the awkward presence of Jess Abbot emphasized the goosebumps that I was getting from their performances and interviews.
During the interview, Dalager, Hale, and Abbot laugh and joke, including the most amazing imitation of a dolphin ever made by Jess Abbot. It's a fucking whole holistic experience. Most of their fans agree that the Audiotree performance has been their best show to date. This is a matter of opinion. I invite you to watch it (below).
Yet, I have not lost hope in their band (even without Jess Abbot). Their last album Saved has some merit for trying new stuff and sounds. It took 6 years to be produced and is outstanding. I also like the Paramore vibe that Dalager has with her new hair color, though, I am a fan of their prior style because I am a helpless emo-fan. More pop but overlapped with emo roots. I can like that. Synthesizers and beats follow in your head as pop anthems to be sing while you walk under the fall colors. Yes, we miss Jess Abbot, but their last album is an outburst of good energy and creativity. Undeniable. Dalager's voice is like an ace under her sleeves because her breathing between notes gives weight and deep to their songs.
My favorite song of the new album (this is disputed) is Yours. There is just something really invigorating between lines and the tune refreshes you to find yourself soaked in Dalager's voice.
Now, Now - Yours
[Verse 1]
I'm driving faster with the windows down
Just to keep my mind off of you, mm mm
So don't you try to ignore me
You stood in the light before me
But could you adore me?
[Pre-Chorus]
I could listen to your voice all night
Whisper to me baby, tell me what you'd like, mm mm
Who're you kidding baby, when you try and deny me
When you try and deny me
[Chorus]
I'll make you stay, there's just no way
I'm leaving without your love, mm mm
But you make me wait to hear you say
"If you want it make your move, come on"
If I had my way, I would be yours
(Oh, I would be yours)
You say my name, I had no choice
Baby, it's time to get comfortable
[Verse 2]You're slow motion when you walk into the room
I can't keep my eyes off of you, mm mm
You got me doing things that I shouldn't do, mm mm
But baby I like it (I like it)[Pre-Chorus]
Who're you kidding baby, when you try and deny me
Who do you think you're fooling, when you're trying to fight it
When you're trying to fight it
[Chorus]
I'll make you stay, there's just no way
I'm leaving without your love, mm mm
But you make me wait to hear you say
"If you want it make your move, come on"
If I had my way, I would be yours
(Oh, I would be yours)
You say my name, I had no choice
Baby, it's time to get comfortable
[Bridge]
I'm driving faster with the windows down
Just to keep my mind off of you, mm mm
I'm leaving the light on for you, baby won't you come my way
So come on baby won't you come my way
[Chorus]
I'll make you stay, there's just no way
I'm leaving without your love, mm mm
But you make me wait to hear you say
"If you want it make your move, come on"
If I had my way, I would be yours
(Oh, I would be yours)
You say my name, I had no choice
Baby, it's time to get comfortable
Will they keep pushing further? I honestly think after their album Saved they will get far beyond with their music and style. Friends, keep checking the website of First Avenue because the next time they do a touring will be amazing.
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