Track By Tracks: SweetBeast - Illusions (2024)

About the album as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

Illusions feels like a journey through shifting realities, blending heavy, distorted riffs with introspective lyrics. Musically, the album leans heavily on low-tuned guitars, swirling effects, and a tight rhythm section that creates a dense, atmospheric sound. There’s a hypnotic groove throughout, with moments of psychedelic exploration, where riffs evolve into mind-bending progressions. The songs fluctuate between heavy riffs and light, airy melodies that offer a contrast, pushing the boundaries of stoner rock.

The lyrics capture a journey through the complexities of relationships, self-identity, and societal pressures. It explores themes of emotional imbalance, liberation from oppression, and the dangers of superficiality in a digital age. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency to awaken from deceptive realities, urging listeners to embrace authenticity and confront their inner demons. With a mix of passionate desire, haunting introspection, and powerful calls to action, the album invites reflection on the struggles between illusion and truth, ultimately encouraging a reclamation of one’s true self.

Overall, *Illusions* is a sonic exploration that invites listeners to journey inward and outward, reflecting the complex relationship between mind, sound, and reality.

Track by Track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY):

1. 70/30:

The song’s lyrics arose from an egotistical situation that comes up from time to time in the industry - when people tell you one thing but then feel that they deserve more out of an equal interaction than the rest of the participants and decide to take more - 70% more and give 30%. This track explores the dynamics of unbalanced relationships, emphasizing the emotional toll of giving without receiving. The narrator questions the subject of self-worth while acknowledging that the other person desires power. The refrain, “Take what you want, I don’t need anything,” and "Smile pretty thing, colourful and dirty," hints at a genuine disposition and bittersweet reality, where beauty coexists with grime. Ultimately, it suggests that balance (70/30) in relationships and business is crucial for fulfillment.

2. Thunder:

"Thunder" is a bold and raw anthem that channels the anger and pain of ongoing racial oppression, drawing inspiration from the murder of George Floyd and the global fight against racism. With visceral lyrics that evoke images of chains, whips, and martyrdom, the song challenges listeners to confront the harsh realities of systemic racism that persist even in a world free of formal slavery. The song urges a collective scream for justice and personal liberation from hate.

3. Dream Eater:

This song delves into the subconscious, exploring the idea of dreams as both a refuge and a danger. The "dream eater" symbolizes external forces that prey on vulnerability. With whimsical yet haunting imagery—like "dreams of paisley dripping down like daisies"—the song reflects the fragility of sanity and the allure of escapism. It’s a call to embrace dreams while remaining aware of their potential darkness.

4. Getting Off At Midnight:

A seductive and upbeat track, this song captures the thrill of desire, spontaneity, and the feeling of after-work nightlife. The repetitive chorus creates an infectious energy, inviting listeners to embrace the night and live in the moment. The lyrics hint at a mix of escapism and passion, highlighting the exhilarating rush of connection, while the metaphor of "black holes" adds an intriguing layer of uncertainty.

5. Plastic People:

This track critiques the superficiality of modern society, particularly the harmful effects of social media on mental health. With lines like "effects and filters, digital weapons," the song highlights how the endless stream of digitally altered images fuels feelings of inadequacy, especially in women. This cycle of comparison can lead to doom scrolling, depression, and even suicide, stripping away authenticity and turning people into hollow, "plastic" versions of themselves. By raising awareness of these devastating effects, the song encourages self-reflection and contrasts inner beauty with the hollowness of curated personas.

6. Illusion:

The closing track, "Illusion," serves as a wake-up call to awareness. It encourages listeners to confront the deceptive nature of their realities and societal constructs. The repeated urging to "wake up" reinforces the theme of breaking free from illusions that cloud perception. The imagery of ghosts and whispers suggests a yearning for truth amidst confusion, creating a sense of urgency to reclaim one’s identity.