Strawberry Launch - Bad Luck [EP]
“…soaring, authentic, and astral psychedelic rock…” – Atwood Magazine
“…the bands fearless approach to dissecting the complexities of modern romance sets them apart.” – RGM
“…powerful, daring…ability to channel a range of emotions in a cathartic and creative fashion…” – Broken Color
Strawberry Launch takes us on an evocative journey with their sophomore EP ‘Bad Luck’, a poignant exploration of the highs and lows of young adulthood. The opening track, “Emily,” captivates with looping synths and ethereal vocals, transporting listeners to an otherworldly, berry-hued realm before grounding them in bittersweet reality.
I’m the great pretender / talk over my conscience
Speak on top of silence / an acrobatic feat
This rock ballad is a heartfelt ode from lead singer Riiza to her older sister, capturing a decade of long-distance phone calls. The rich blend of sliding guitar, powerful drums, and introspective lyrics create a vibrant fantasy world where self-doubt and unconditional love intertwine.
The tempo quickens with “Light Blue Sheets,”a quintessential summer love anthem celebrating the allure of captivating strangers in dimly lit clubs. “LBS is for the sexy, intimidating girls. I fell for an artist’s magnetic presence at a show and penned this song in a whirlwind of inspiration,” says Riiza. Taylor Hurt’s pulsing synths lay the foundation, inviting listeners to dive into the “sea of clowns” and dance with abandon.
“Videos” shifts gears, delving into the tumultuous world of social media, where past relationships linger as digital ghosts.
Funny when you lie / funny when you’re mad
Miss me every time you stab me in the back
Take a nicer tone / n’ kiss me through the phone
You’ll be on your own if you don’t try
With front-and-center vocals and sharp guitar riffs, the track erupts into a fiery tempest of emotion. Matrianna Gahol’s intricate guitar solo crescendos to a haunting scream from Riiza, culminating in a cathartic final chorus. “Videos” retells a familiar nightmare, urging listeners to rise above past betrayals.
“Ready Yet” delves into the most nostalgic part of the EP, reflecting on a past self with poignant clarity. The track vividly captures the fear of growing up, painted with beautiful arpeggiators and gut-punching vocals.
I don’t mean to scare you or to be so upfront / but do you feel the way I do?
I’m not ready yet and neither are you
This genuine storytelling, paired with the comforting tones of a happy guitar, reassures listeners that they are not alone in their struggles with growing up. It serves as a gentle reminder that fear of change is a shared human experience.
The titular track, “Bad Luck,” closes the EP with a spirited embrace of life’s uncertainties. The whimsical chorus, swirling synths, and heavy guitar remind us to dance through adversity.
Meeting her for dinner / you turn a blind eye
Yeah I think you should leave him / and you ask my why
It’s just bad luck, just a bad deal, it’s just bad luck, just a bad year
The uplifting nature of the final track reassures listeners that sometimes, despite everything, we must dance through the storm.
‘Bad Luck’ by Strawberry Launch is a masterful tapestry of emotions and experiences, woven with intricate melodies and compelling narratives. Their signature sound, a blend of enchanting stories and warm instrumentation, truly sets them apart.
Strawberry Launch is a female-fronted pop rock band, born from a serendipitous cold call by lead singer Riiza to guitarist Matrianna Gahol in 2018. They quickly added Abby Flicker on bass, Taylor Hurt on keyboard, and Benjy Berkowitz on drums. Their debut EP, released in 2021, garnered acclaim from Rolling Stone India, Atwood Magazine and Under the Radar, who praised their expansive soundscapes and emotional crescendos. Building a devoted following in New York City, they’ve shared stages with Beach Bunny, Hot Flash Heat Wave, Small Crush, and The Toxhards. Their sophomore EP via Trash Casual Records, set for 2024, promises to elevate their already soaring artistry.
