As I plugged in the ear buds and relaxed into my zone, my place away from the rest of the world I wondered what Firecracker Pyro Edition CD from Whitney Peyton would have to offer me? I have to admit though that I’m still a bit of a virgin when it comes to all of Whitney Peyton’s music, so there was also that level of nervous anticipation.
“Automatic” is the first track that fill’s my ears and brain, its heavy and the fast-paced flow along with Whitney’s lyric delivery are direct and brutally, complemented with a hook that makes “Automatic” a song that speaks to the listener and gives them a strength and direction.
“Don’t Lie To Me” features Matt Good (From First To Last) and for the listener takes a different more sobering approach. It reaches into your soul and your heart and if you’ve ever felt something similar to what Whitney’s lyrics or words are conveying you can feel your own heartache as well as hers. For me a newer fan to Whitney Peyton it’s nice to see her ability as an artist to make it personal and break from the standard mold or idea that maybe the fans or industry has grown accustom to, and Whitney has done that with “Don’t Lie To Me” and for the fans it’s a seamless transition.
“I Hate My Roommate”, is a transition song wise that took me by surprise. This song to me, I can relate to, or anyone who has a “roommate from hell”. The way Whitney humorously tells a story within the lyrics one can only sit back and say “Oh yeah I remember that” while laughing.
“Outer Space”, once again features Matt Good. Sometimes I wonder if it would just be easier to get up and leave this place or move on to somewhere else. This is only solidified with the continuing problems that face all of us every day not only in our everyday life but in the everyday breath of the world as we know it. It’s in “Outer Space” that it feels Whitney has reached into people’s concerns maybe even fears and given us a thought or a vision to think of to possibly believe in.
“Daps” is simply a song that directly speaks of the struggle that all of us go through to beat the odds and come out ahead. When listening to Whitney’s approach and yes delivery of the lyrics she reminds me no matter the odds or the hate and negativity you may receive from others along the way, when you make it that’s all that matters. Plus it’s in those haters, the ones that tried to hold you down or didn’t believe in you that you find your strength when you prove them wrong.
“That’s On You” when I listened to the song, it instantly gave me that “Yeah I can feel this” and truly don’t care what others think. It’s got an overall good vibe that makes you want it as more of that song that pushes you through every day and helps you remind yourself that who cares what the naysayer’s think, you got this you can do anything. .
“Through The Wall” I found my head bobbing, and felt like I had just stepped up into the club. It’s a party song, with the energy to take that party to the next level, and Whitney is perfect in bringing that party to the listener. Going into the local clubs “Through The Wall” is the song that the DJ better have spinning otherwise it just ain’t a party.
The eighth track “Burden” features Hard Target and Ileigha Kohoutek. This song immediately hits home for me and anyone that has felt completely alone, not wanting to bother the one or one’s you love. Touching not just on the loneliness, but those feelings of doubt like you’re not necessarily enough for anyone. “Burden” is that song that allows you to cry when you feel there’s nothing else it’s an escape which for some is the only thing we have. It sends home a message that no matter what you are not alone in your struggles no matter how bad or great they may seem.
“Oh No”, instantly reminds me of that old skool flow. It’s another one of the songs that makes you start bobbing the head and yes I have to admit kind of dancing in my chair. Whitney has channeled that classic sound and feel, and it’s just an all-around great feeling song that makes you just wanna turn it up and let it bump
“Karma” is the tenth track on the “firecracker Pyro Edition”. As the track name says it’s about the belief in “Karma” and that no matter good or bad doesn’t matter how far you run “Karma” will always find you. It’s in the dark and somewhat cryptic sound that you can feel the desire or need to do what’s right in the eyes of “Karma”
“Firecracker Pyro Edition” not only features tracks that were on the previous release “Firecracker” but also as an amazing bonus it treats us the fans to 11 previously released singles that are just as powerful a group of songs as any. “Riot” is one of those many previous tracks. It returns to the hard and heavy edge that Whitney and Zack Hansen bring to the listener. As a metal guy I actually started trashing around and pulled out my ear buds. “Riot” is simply just aggression at its most basic sense. This is a song I can see myself playing as I’m driving through town and having everyone looking wondering what the heck is that. Then you’re treated with “Crazy” and “Woopty Woo Woo” and “Its All Good” featuring Erik Jensen just to name a few of the singles.
Overall Firecracker Pyro Edition is a more than just a dynamically thrown together collection of songs. It’s a story a progression of the artist, musician Whitney Peyton. Whitney has once again given back to her fans with this collection of her work, her songs and lyrics along with the stories she tells through those songs. For a newer listener or as I stated early more of a virgin to Whitney Peyton I have to say that Firecracker Pyro Edition is an amazing collection of songs that truly describes who and what Whitney Peyton is……
