Range Life, formed by New Jersey musician Mike Chiarappa, has just released their debut album when it all gets old on October 11th 2021. It is completely performed, mixed, and written by Mike. He notes that the record had been recorded “in a number of places ranging from bedroom tracks to studio recordings” and states that “the record is definitely not perfect but is certainly honest” on his instagram post about the release.
“intro” is a short and sweet instrumental track that I think sets the tone for the entire album. It feels like taking a walk in the park and pulling your arms closer to your body when you feel the cold breeze on your face.
“i don’t want to be here anymore” is a more upbeat track with wispy vocals from Mike. When he said this album is honest, he meant it. In the last thirty seconds or so of the song the vocals sound like distant shouting of the words “i don’t want to be here anymore” and bring a feeling of dissociation, like staring at a wall with nothing to do and when you pull yourself back into reality you’re frustrated because you never asked for this life let alone a life.
“2001” puts me right into the intro of an early 2000s teen movie where the main character is moving to a new city, their earbuds in and staring out the window watching everything they knew pass by, which makes the title all the more fitting. It’s the coming of age song, where you experience life in its entirety, you lose people you thought would be around forever, and you learn from it all.
“another day” brings the pace back down a little. This one brings me peace, it’s a “life eventually ends anyways, so live it the way that makes you happiest”. Which personally is something I say to everyone in my life so this one hits home for me. The lyric “have a drink and a cigarette if it’s gonna calm you down” perfectly sends that message.
“milk stout” feels more like that split decision to tell the person you love that you’re in love with them. It feels like a race against time because the thought of another single second passing by without that person right next to you feels unbearable, so you run as fast as your legs will take you to them.
“bleeding for help” sounds like a clean break. It’s the choice to remove people that no longer serve you, even if it breaks your heart to leave them. It’s that reminder to make time for yourself to figure out who you are, what you like, how you want to be living, because in the end you really only have yourself. The lyric “take a second for yourself” is that gentle reminder we all need.
“runaway” makes me think of when you’re growing up and you know things are changing and instead of accepting it you daydream about running away with your friends and pretending you’re kids with no responsibilities. It’s so bittersweet because everyone spends their childhood wishing they were grown ups and then you’re grown up and you wish you could be a kid forever. Almost like a right of passage for all adults.
“when it all gets old” is that comforting home away from home feeling. It’s watching someone you care about go after their dreams in a new place and listening to their new life and knowing that if they decide to come “home” that you’ll be there waiting for them.
“west again” had a loving yet melancholy feeling to it. It feels like watching the person you love in slow motion and in admiration as they talk about their dreams and where they plan to go with their life but knowing you won’t be a part of that chapter of their life.
“free soul” describes that one person you meet who is just unlike anyone you’ve ever met. They roll with wherever life takes them, care free and in the moment entirely. A part of you wishes to be more like them, to be less worried about the future so much and to just enjoy the ride.
“friends” felt distant in the vocals. The lyric “yeah let’s hangout again but remind me that we’re just friends” makes me think about how sometimes you enjoy being with someone so much that even if they don’t want something more the way you do, you don’t care because you’re willing to settle for having them in your life in any way. Even if it means setting those feelings aside, you’re not willing to live without them.
“not here” had vocals that felt like processing the loss of someone close to you. It’s the realization that when it comes down to it, everything comes to an end, including life.
With the weather getting colder, this album is a perfect fall addition. Mike said the record “isn’t perfect” and while nothing in life ever is, I think this album is perfectly imperfect. If you like bands like Just Friends or Save Face then you definitely need to check out Range Life.
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