Combining elements of both electro-pop and punk rock comes a sure contender for pop-rock EP of the year, “Here For Now.” Power pop-rock singer/songwriter, MEGG, spent time soul searching and came out swinging with a six-track sophomore release that will take you back to the golden moments of your childhood before whisking you back into the future. Each track is like another chapter in a compelling story, the listener curled up in the corner of a library absolutely captivated by each relatable lyric and soul-moving rhythm. The EP which is set to release tomorrow, September 9, is promised to hit a multitude of moods including but not limited to: speeding on an empty road, stop and go traffic dance party on the way to a show, and dancing in pajamas with wine in hand after a bad break up proving that you are one hell of a boss bitch no matter what anyone says. In fact, I found that “Here For Now” would make the perfect soundtrack to a coming-of-age story-based game such as Life Is Strange.
“Here For Now” features four existent and already fantastically established singles, as well as two new bops, qualified to be bangers. We start off with “SHAMOO,” the perfect “fuck it all” road trip bop that can brighten any sour mood and remind yourself of the amazing soul you truly are. What I noticed most about this track is that MEGG’s vocal range and diverse technique are absolutely remarkable. While her range and technique can be shown all throughout the EP, I found that it was more prominent in “SHAMOO.” The first track is always the most important out of any EP or LP, and “SHAMOO” just grabs the listener in by the collar of their shirt and has them jammin’ until the very last track.
The next track, “I Feel Good” is a new addition to the powerhouse discography MEGG has on her back. With hella relatable lyrics and a hella bopping beat, I found myself feeling the lyrics of “I Feel Good” on a whole otherworldly level of relatable. Radio DJs should be prepared because I can predict an influx of requests for “I Feel Good,” especially with a chorus so catchy that I found myself shaking my hips like Shakira and singing into a hairbrush to my bathroom mirror. The bridge saying “I don’t know who I even am anymore” before a punk as hell breakdown had me wishing I had a box of Captain Crunch to stress eat while I have one of my weekly identity crises.
Bringing it back to my childhood with strong mid-late 2000s Avril Lavigne vibes comes one of my favorite tracks, “Disney Shit.” “Disney Shit” brings me back to middle school, where 12-year-old Hana would listen to absolutely nothing but P!nk, Katy Perry, and Avril Lavigne on her MP3. Speaking of bridges, “Disney Shit” hands down has the best bridge-- a spoken bridge that dictates the falsehoods of childhood fairytales and how “ladylike” doesn’t mean shit in the real world before swinging back into the bangin’ chorus.
Every good album or EP has a solid ballad. A song that stabs you in the intestines and slowly turns the knife to a soft-spoken acoustic melody. “Change” is a Mayday Parade and All Time Low worthy tear-jerker that had me absolutely balling my eyes out. “Change” is the breakup song of the Century and I am so happy that it found its place on “Here For Now.” Lyrically and melodically I was touched, goosebumps and hair rising on my arms with just one listen. It usually takes a lot for me to literally cry when listening to music, yet I needed my Michelle Branch hoodie to soak up my tears while listening to MEGG sing about leaving a long-term relationship and wishing one could just change how they feel. The songwriting gets extra personal with this track and it thoroughly shows with amazing execution.
Picking the pace and mood up to a more positive vibe comes the track, “Summer in the South Bay.” I have never been to South Bay, but the way MEGG describes it makes me want to search for the next flight over. A chill bop made for cruising down open roads with windows down and the radio cranked up loud. Summer adventures with friends never felt so good, especially in sunny South Bay where one can roam with friends and never think about tomorrow while living for today.
Ending the EP is another killer new tune, “M!ssaundaztood.” As soon as I heard “Alright, MEGG,” “What?” “I said, are you ready?” I knew it was going to be a good ending track. I am not sure how to describe how I knew, but it is similar to hearing a record scratch or an amp being plugged in at the beginning of a DIY track. You just know you are in for a good time full of headbanging and fun. I was absolutely correct because “M!ssaundaztood” is a dance anthem. I have a soft spot for any track that can successfully integrate horns into the song, and I was absolutely blown away when I picked up on the horns in “M!ssaundaztood.” While listening I had an immediate vibe of positivity, warmth, and community. I could imagine this track being played at Summer block parties or hip coffee shops before an open mic. Most definitely I will be adding this song to my driving playlist, speeding down the empty streets after work blaring this track through semi-busted car speakers, and singing along. A phenomenal way to end the album, bringing closure to the multitude of emotions experienced through one cohesive listen.
In just six songs “Here For Now” brings people of all walks of life and music tastes together for a solid time. Each track was carefully placed, giving off a complete story that I am eager to reread and relisten to. In fact, I think I just might re-spin this EP once more… “Here For Now” is out September 9, 2021. Get ready to experience the coming-of-age EP you have been craving all year.
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