WRITTEN BY NEVAEH TILLMAN, PHOTO BY JAKE HANSON
As the saying goes, “Third time's a charm.” In this case, the charm is Naked Giants’ third album, Shine Away, coming out October 4th on Devil Duck Records. Leading up to their album, they recently released “Bad Guys Win”. My initial reaction was in awe of the vocals and how captivating they are. I am utterly obsessed with the guitar riffs; they make me want to bring my air guitar out to play.
In other words, from Grant Mullen (guitarist/vocalist), it’s “a powerful pop rock anthem for the 2020s.” As we know, that was a time when things felt still. Even without the progress of COVID, I'm sure we can all conjure up a time we felt like giving up, and this song’s message calls for an energetic release for the listeners. Who needs therapy, when you have Naked Giants?
What makes this song special is knowing the band's story of how they came about to create “Bad Guys Win”. Mullen expresses their start-up, “Our first record was still running on fuel from starting the band as 18-year-olds with a rock’n’roll dream.” However, they can’t be 18 years old forever. Their sound went from juvenile to mature and confident. Mullen explains, “Before, we were anxious to express ourselves in whatever way we could through music. Now, we have more to say, and I think we’ve made a record with more meaning and purpose.”
An anthem is powerful due to what is said and how it’s said. Thus, the combination of a funky rock beat with vulnerable lyrics shows for a rocking anthem. Blasting “Bad Guys Win” on headphones will give you goosebumps—in the best way. Can October come already? Can’t wait to listen to their new album.
Remember: The voices in your head may tell you to let the bad guys win…don’t let them.