ALBUM REVIEW: Point North Is Here To Share Their “Brand New Vision”
ALBUM REVIEW: Point North Is Here To Share Their “Brand New Vision”
The band’s debut album was released today
Words by: Amanda Marano
The band is back… Point North, that is! The alternative rock group just dropped their debut album Brand New Vision today via Hopeless Records. The album follows the band as they embrace an alternate reality… a different world, one that celebrates a break from predictability and normalcy. In this universe, they value the uncomfortable, and the will it gives us to search for something more. A world where the things that matter most and the values that we all wish upon our lives are prevalent. Where people don’t have to fear for their lives due to the color of their skin, their sexual orientation, or citizenship status. A world that has meaning, a world in color, and a place to feel something… a truly brand new vision.
Excited about the release, Point North tells, “We are so happy for Brand New Vision to finally be out. After so much personal and musical growth, we are so proud of what we were able to accomplish together. We can only hope that the rest of the world gets the same sense of joy out of this album as we do. If listeners could take anything away from the album, it would be to always find the silver lining, take action instead of remaining inactive and to always choose love over hate. We wanted to bring about a sense of unity with this album. If we can accomplish that in any positive capacity, the album is a success. With humble hearts, we hope you enjoy Brand New Vision and hope to play these songs live very soon. Black lives matter, LGBTQ rights are human rights, abolish ICE and please use your voices and VOTE. Be the change we need and help bring Brand New Vision to life.”
Opening with the title track “Brand New Vision” featuring DE’WAYNE, they introduce Drax, the sentient being that accompanies listeners on their journey through this world. Singer/producer Jon Lundin’s honest, raw and fragile vocals shine through Drax. A pop/hip hop anthem, the track boasts elements of punk rock and heavy metal and features an encapsulating hook and emotional but strong vocals. The energetic, sweeping, and optimistic song is the perfect piece to set the tone for the album.
“Into The Dark” (featuring Sleeping With Sirens‘ Kellin Quinn) is a soul journey and has already begun gathering the attention it deserves. The already-hit single has had several weeks of airplay on Sirius XM Octane, hitting #1 on the channel. On the track, Point North brings their unbridled intensity as the emotional lyrics hit raw truths and touch on the difficulties and hardships we all struggle with. In a story of self-love and forgiveness, “A Million Pieces” reminds us to prioritize ourselves and our well beings first. Then there’s “Apologue” that takes a romantic pop, with elements of electro-pop and even a hint of punk. The band takes a darker turn as they sing about the darkness and despair of cold realities and hopelessness in “No One’s Listening,” while “Nothing Left To Lose” brings a pop-punk sound with emotional lyrics as they give their all.
Despite the ups and downs, Drax perseveres, unable to accept a broken world. The feelings and messages all culminate with the final track, “Be The Same.” The closer sends the message that it is okay to feel discomfort because only when we are uncomfortable do we make a change. And it’s okay to acknowledge and manifest, to reach for that change. It’s okay to say “I don’t want to be the same.”
The project was self-produced by Jon Lundin (vocals) and the other members of Point North, Andy Hershey (guitar), and Sage Weeber (drums). The band shares, “If we can inspire one person to exert some good into this world, we have done our jobs.”
