Driving home after a long day, you watch as the sun sets and the sky turns to a gorgeous shade of deep navy blue. The sight is astounding and you are full of peace. What if I told you there was an album that reflected this feeling?
Phoebe Bridgers is an indie rock musician, originally from Los Angeles, California. After the release of her first album, “Stranger in the Alps,” in 2017, she went on to release another three years later.
“Punisher,” released in 2020, is a musical masterpiece that anyone should listen to at least once. Throughout the album Bridgers unveils raw emotion through the lyrics and sounds. Her creativity strikes a bond between her listeners and the music.
“Punisher” has 11 tracks, each containing a memorable story and series of emotions.
The song which the album is named after, “Punisher,” has to be an all time favorite.
The track is mostly composed of piano notes and assorted strings like the autoharp that plays in various sections. The instruments combined with the lyrics give the song an echoey vibe.
“Punisher” is primarily referred to as a ballad-like song, having an almost magical sound.
The composers of this album (Phoebe Bridgers, Marshall Vore and Connor Oberst) created a very relatable story with the title song. The album really comes together with this first track.
When asked, Bridgers said that her song “Punisher” relayed the idea of having missed connections. She continues explaining that when a person has tension with their inner and outer self, there is that familiar ache of loneliness when things end.
The song was written in honor of Elliot Smith, a fellow artist that Bridgers looks up to. This tribute song was also written to acknowledge the artist’s neighborhood, Silver Lake.
The track leaves room for audience interpretation, but it’s important not to forget what Bridgers intended.
She outlines that this song is about being a punisher and defines this as someone who is difficult to talk to.
Being a punisher to Bridgers is knowing what to say, but being afraid to say it. She expresses the fear and unpredictability of if her words will hold any value to the counterpart of the conversation.
I loved the relatable themes of this album. Although only one song was dissected, to go through and pick at the rest of the album is a thrill.
The different instruments and lyrics in the songs really resonate with me.
I would recommend “Punisher” to anyone who loves alternative/indie music. This album specifically incorporates both genres.
Music for me is a huge outlet from everyday stressors, and I implore everyone to find the lyrics that help them relax. Who knows, maybe “Punisher” will be the album for you.
