Gravesend entered the pop punk scene in early 2019 after making some changes within the band, formerly known as PVMNTS. They are a genre-fluid band led by Wilfredo “Freddy” Alexis Ramirez with Ben Lopez, Angel Lopez, and John Barry by his side. However, all of their music is written and completely recorded by Freddy himself.
“Candy Nicotine”, released on May 14th 2021, is Gravesend’s most recent single. If you are big into pop punk and the mindset behind punk in general, this song is one to listen to. At first listen it gives off early Paramore years, think Brand New Eyes, with the layered guitar intro. Freddy’s vocals are definitely backed by determination, they are strong and demanding to be heard. “Candy Nicotine” sounds like an underdog anthem to me. Especially with the lyrics “If only you knew what it took to get this far, I’ll never look back” it’s hard not to root for them. As someone who likes to dig into the lyrics and really submerge into the music fully, this song gives a push to remember why you are on the path you are on. No one else but you can decide how you live your life, what passions you have, or where you are going.
Gravesend has had to start from scratch as a band, to get their name out there again, and I think we all like a good “underdog that conquered all in the end” story.
Link to their Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5xEjmK2CQGRhP2naAGTvu6?si=JIG1ps2tSHme6hYSdGstMg&dl_branch=1
Link to Video: https://youtu.be/JSLgmAV1EOE