I Could Be You, You Could Be Me
Self-Released, 2022
10/10
Listen to I Could Be You, You Could Be Me
The multi-faceted artist Nina Diaz pens her most raw and vulnerable release yet, where she handles vocals, guitar, bass and keys, and Jorge Gonzalez sits in on drums for songs that surround speaking up, facing fears, personal growth, and what is in metaphysical circles called, Shadow Work
“Give It All You Got” starts the listen with playful synth, as a very adventurous, New Wave inspired setting unfolds with much melody and grit in the buzzing rock, and “Silly Situation” follows with a warm demeanor of crisp and reflective indie-rock.
Further along, the throbbing bass and experimental ideas of “Marigold” are certainly indebted to ‘90s alt-rock but with a modern pop flair, too, while “This Crazy Feeling” gallops with a retro-spirit that quickly builds into a busy, anthemic album highlight that’s hard hitting yet harmonic.
Close to the end, “On The Other Side” carries a calm, soulful demeanor that eventually leads into an ebullient outpouring, and “Break The News” exits with a bit of a jangle amid the fierce bouts of fuzzed out rock.
I’m actually a bit embarrassed to admit that I’m not at all familiar with Diaz’s previous and long running band Girl In A Coma, cause that experience certainly laid the groundwork for this sturdy, eclectic and authentic formula that somehow reminds us of The Smiths, Nirvana, Patti Smith and Jeff Buckley all at once.
Travels well with: Circlons- When Only The Music Is Pretty; The Dickies- I Dig Go-Go Girls/The Dreaded Pigasaurus