“Green Blue + Indigo Violet” sets a very specific scene — staring at the cosmos, straining to find meaning and dancing despite the confusion. COIN kept this album short but unavoidably sweet, once again epitomizing the indie pop genre. Chase Lawrence, Ryan Winnen and Joe Memmel collaborated to create arguably their most advanced album yet. Deeply colorful and comforting, each song paints a picture of life’s many contradictions in an irresistibly cool way. On “Green Blue + Indigo Violet” — COIN’s fourth studio album — the group appears to have nailed its sound down to an artistic science. These songs evoke the feelings of listening at sunset, soaking in summertime and experiencing a comforting sadness.
The first song on the album, “Sprite,” sounds like the off-brand version of a Harry Styles hit. Surprisingly, it works all too well. The sonic landscape of sunshine and glittery instrumentation is reminiscent of Styles’ “Watermelon Sugar,” which hypnotized listeners in 2019. Pleading for a fresh start, Lawrence exudes lush, full and lustful lyrics. Winnen and Memmel also pack a playful punch on drums and lead guitar, each equally prominent and smooth. This track is something to listen to on the way home, wherever or whoever that might be. In all, “Sprite” is the timely ode to feeling out of touch that many listeners truly needed.
“Sagittarius Superstar” continues the same energy with an exciting twist in vocals. Faye Webster graces the track with her soft, melodic tone that makes sadness magnetic. Tiptoeing the fine line between melancholy and liberation, Lawrence and Webster create a unified love letter to infatuation.
Just two songs in, “Green Blue + Indigo Violet” rocks listeners with an unexpected change of pace. “Turnaround” exudes self-loathing and exhaustion. This track describes being unconditionally attracted to someone and coming back to them despite your better judgment.
“Earth to God” continues this downbeat interlude in the album, as Lawrence alludes to feeling alone in the presence of others. The lyrics wonder at existential inquiries that plague the minds of artists and listeners alike. “Earth To God” is putting off prayer and clawing your way out of isolation. This song captures the nearly ethereal aim of the album – think laughing and crying among the clouds.
After these tracks, COIN fans can take a deep breath and dive back into thoughts of easy living and listening. “Sort It Out” sounds like something that could be laid over a vlogger’s summertime reels. It’s funky, trendy and high-fashion, something more akin to the tunes of vintage COIN. On the other hand, “You Are The Traffic” deals with a person that is alluring distraction personified as Lawrence swoons,“Everyone is in the way, except you.” The overpowering instrumentation comes in welcome waves, washing over the audience with Memmel’s flowing guitar chords.
The last song on the album, “I Feel Alive?” is a fitting end to COIN’s most recent sonic journey. The track name says it all, but the instrumentation is an unexpected surprise. Once again, this album screams ambivalence and measured chaos. It’s an optimistic uncertainty that takes a jab at singing the occasionally arduous human experience. COIN proves their talent for making light of life.
Overall, “Green Blue + Indigo Violet” points to uncertainty, whether it be in love, life or self. However, the album makes inner turmoil shockingly attractive. Changes in instrumentation shift the album across the spectrum of electronic and angelic while remaining mostly upbeat.
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