Music Review // Em Armstrong "Maybe Probably Never"

 

Em Armstrong has all of the energy of pop punk while also being catchy as well.  It's not that the lyrics are overdone, but they can feel catchy because when something like the title- "Maybe Probably Never ever again"- comes in there are starts and stops with the guitars, as if the music is following along with the delivery of the words.  This is one of those rare tools we don't hear enough in music but when you get the lyrics and music on the same page the song can just feel magical.

The idea of "Maybe Probably Never" is that it's a break up song.  Right away the lyrics say "I don't need a friend / So this is where it ends".   The chorus goes on to further this idea with the line "You're not something I would ever regret", which sets the tone for the song as well.  This isn't just a song about breaking up.  It's a song about being done and burning that bridge.  Sometimes we need that commitment though- to not go back to someone who isn't right for us- and Em Armstrong can help set us on that path with this song.

While some of the musical aspects of this song might feel like modern pop punk or emo, there are elements which remind me both of Avril and even as far back into the sort of grunge era as Veruca Salt and Letters to Cleo.  Though the radio might feel like it was ten years ago, there are still a number of bands coming up and making their names known in the genre of being sort of pop punk.  It's best to have a quality which really distinguishes your sound and Em Armstrong has found that here, which can be evidenced by the guitar work itself.

Sometimes music can be open to interpretation, but I feel like "Maybe Probably Never" has little to interpret.   The straight-forward aspect to these lyrics is vital to the message though because this song is at that point where you show someone the door and tell them to use it.  If you don't ever think you've had these feelings about another person in a romantic sense though, you can always think of an ex-boss or perhaps a current politician.   There is likely someone you want out of your life- or will at some point- and this song will help you get them gone.