Have you ever had the thought that this is just life as we know it? The moment we’re born, we come in knowing nothing, and every experience shapes us. That’s how I approach album reviews going in fresh each time. That said, I’ve been a fan of AMerican Aquarium for the last ten years, and they still manage to surprise me with every release.

Listening to AA feels like coming home. This album reminds me of sitting in a rocking chair on the porch with my grandma, the smell of freshly cut grass in the air and a glass of sweet tea in hand. Their sound blends the grit of 90’s country with an edge of early 00’s punk rock. The mix of that pulls me straight back into the comfort of my childhood.

One standout track for me is Southern Roots featuring Katie Pruitt. In a world where so many people feel isolated and divided, this song reminds us of the importance of having real conversations, not the easy ones, but the hard ones. It addresses the stigma and the racism still tied to the south and it challenges us to comfort those truths. Change is possible but only if we are willing to do the work. Here is a sample of some of the lyrics from the album that touched me the most.

If there’s one thing I’ve found

You can’t change the way you sound

You can only change the words that you choose

So I’m putting in the work

I’m digging in the dirt

I’m replanting my southern roots

I found out recently that the lead singer of American Aquarium, BJ Barham is running for a local office in his home state of North Carolina. Seeing someone go forward and do what it takes to make the change that is most needed in the world.

In a time as trivial as now we need to look at one another and show kindness. Instead of looking around in hate. I feel like in every song this album shows that life is hard but its how react to what life throws at us. I hope you give this album a listen.