Each Measure Feature: Deer Park Avenue

FEATURE

“Crucible” is a 2024 release by Deer Park Avenue. For anyone unfamiliar with this European duo... Go check them out ASAP. With their ability to conquer whatever style they attempt, combined with their extremely relatable lyrics, this band is a must for any playlist!

Deer Park Avenue has hit it out of the park with their new release, Crucible! I was amazed by the overall quality of every track on this album. I am going to be suggesting it to any and all I get the chance to. The high-energy songs got my blood pumping and my brain humming as I soaked in the catchy melodies of not only the music but the vocal arrangements as well.

Crucible begins with “Cave,” which expresses an impatience while waiting for something expectantly, like an artist’s big break or an important milestone. The song goes on to speak of the uncertainty of whether what is expected is ever going to arrive and the constant reminding of one’s self not to give up. Next is the album’s namesake, “Crucible.” This track is a fast favorite, thanks to its relatable lyrics and intoxicating melody, combined with the beautiful way they centered the entire vocal arrangement around one word: Crucible.

Moving on, ‘Shut Me Out’ is a high-energy track delivered with a fast tempo. This song touches on serious concepts delivered in an almost playful fashion that effortlessly got my blood pumping a bit faster. Then, ‘Strut’ leaves a strong impression with its unique sound paired with thick and sexy vocals. Following this is ‘Queen of Disaster,’ which is likely to capture fans with its relatable lyrics. The song conveys emotions of self-imposed misery and a desire for change. Parts of the song suddenly die down to synth and the beat of drums, which successfully give weight to its lyrical expression.

Up next is ‘Dance.’ This track makes me imagine her time nearing the end of being in the crucible, when the comfort of its safety gives way to the boredom of that same safety. Following this is ‘Moon River’ and ‘Moon River Flow.’ ‘Moon River’ is the intro track of the pair. The lyrics seem to imply that the “river” is both an obstacle and a guide. This track shows their ability to dominate both fast and energetic and slow and soft styles.

The 9th track on this album is ‘Pink Champagne,’ another song showing their comfort with softer styles. The lyrics seem to express a complex relationship—my favorite example is the comparison to wind and fire because wind can both assist and extinguish a flame, depending on its strength. The next track is ‘Prom Night,’ which I found to be a cute and heartwarming love song. My favorite lyrics in the song state that the poison will kill you, and the antidote will too. Up next is ‘Outta Here.’ This song touches on feelings of loneliness, and it reminds me of those self-talks we give ourselves in desperate situations.

The final track of the main album is ‘Voices.’ This track has maybe the catchiest rhythm of the entire album, delivered in a very soulful style. The remaining tracks include a remix of ‘Crucible,’ which adds to the dramatic tone of the song, and radio edits of ‘Dance,’ ‘Queen of Disaster,’ and ‘Strut.’

This album has left an impression on me, and I am happy to say that I am a fan of DPA!

KEEP UP WITH DEER PARK AVENUE BELOW: