With all the new music coming out lately, I wanted to highlight Pinkshift’s new record, “Love Me Forever”, which was released on October 21, 2022.
Pinkshift, a modern rock group from Baltimore, just released their first full-length studio album, and I can’t stop listening to it. The members, Ashrita Kumar (vocals), Myron Houngbedji (drums), and Paul Vallejo (guitar) all create an intense sound, despite it being only the three of them. If you enjoy bands such as Paramore or Nirvana, this album is worth checking out.
Ashrita Kumar does great vocal work on the album with a combination of unique and interesting melodies that can hit hard when needed. There is a track on the album that highlights their style called, in a breath where Kumar is just accompanied by the piano. Another track that speaks volumes of what Kumar is capable of is on the track is nothing (in my head) where they carry out a rockstar-like belt that blends perfectly with the instrumentation as a last intense moment to grasp.
Moving on to the drums on this album, Myron Houngbedji provides a great foundation and fun, colorful fills throughout each track, which is sort of reminiscent of Travis Barker’s style from Blink-182. In addition, the mixing for the drums was done fantastically which allowed the drums to have their time to shine, without overlapping any other instrument. I find that a lot of modern drums can sometimes feel a little lacking in the ‘punchiness’ of a kick drum and the crack of the snare that is so desired in this punk-style drumming. Houngbedji has great moments throughout all of the songs in the record but his work on the tracks let me drown and (again) nothing (in my head) are arguably some of his best.
Last but certainly not least I want to talk about the strings on this album. On lead guitar, we have Paul Vallejo. Immediately, I can hear the influence of My Chemical Romance in Vallejo’s playing and I enjoy his own spin on the instrument as well. I picked up themes with steady riffs that build and build that also accompany the vocals. The bass lines as well have their own crunchiness that remind me a lot of the punk bass tone that can frame a song in a cool way. For example, a song that frames all elements together would be, the kids aren’t alright. The bass intro at the beginning followed by an octave riff is just so great. This is certainly an album to turn up and keep your ears open.
All together, they just make a great sound that I think is deserving of checking out. Again, if you enjoy pop punk, grunge, or rock music in general, Pinkshift could band for you. This is the band’s first full length LP and can’t wait to see what they put out next. I hope you guys enjoy this record!
Most notable tracks I’d recommend: nothing (in my head), the kids aren’t alright, in a breath, Cinderella, BURN THE WITCH
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