Nashville-based indie pop band COIN has released its newest album after two and a half years.
“I’m Not Afraid Of Music Anymore” is an album born out of vulnerability, self-reflection and self-acceptance. It shows us a band that has shed its fears, both musically and personally.
I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore
Originally titled “The Kiss,” the album was meant to be a “snapshot of honesty and vulnerability” in both the music and the band’s personal lives. But, after a few weeks into production, the entire project’s perspective shifted. The daughter of one of the band’s producers, a 5-year-old girl, recorded some background vocals. After recording, she removed her headphones and declared, “I’m not afraid of music anymore!” This small statement, which could have easily been overlooked, expresses the journey COIN has been on themselves. Through this album, COIN has learned to embrace imperfections, to be fearless in expression and not be overwhelmed by what it thought this album should be.
As the album progressed, that small statement caused the band’s internal shift.
Lead singer Chase Lawrence described a moment of clarity after listening to the full album, realizing he had been too harsh and critical of their music. For a long time, he felt “disconnected from the body of work.” Being a band for 12 years, he was unsure if the music was for him anymore. He was tired. But after a few months of talking with the rest of the band and letting everything out, COIN was finally able to overcome this slump, this fear of music. With this album, Lawrence said it is “the most us we’ve ever been.”
This message, “I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore,” was a wake-up call to embrace what the album is, not what it isn’t. This realization became the core message of their new album — to let go of perfection and embrace the beauty of where you are in the present.
Personal and Universal
Like the band’s other full-length albums, this one has 14 incredible tracks. The album starts strong with “It’s Hard to Care About Everything,” which is about the desire for peace in a world of societal expectations. It’s an introspective, emotionally rich opener that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The album also features three pre-releases, “Strawberry Jam,” “Take It Or Leave It” and “Slack,” which were called “the most unmistakably COIN songs of all time.”
Perhaps what makes this album so powerful is how it resonates with both the band and their listeners. As the band embraces their own imperfections, the album encourages listeners to do the same. From listening to a single track alone, you can hear how much they love this album and how much they loved recording it. This passion bleeds through every note and as fans, it’s hard not to feel that same love.
Even if it might not have been intentional, the artists connect with their audience through songs like “Along for the Ride,” which feels like an invitation for listeners to join COIN on its journey of self-acceptance. “Growing Song” and “Bloodtype” encourage listeners to think about their own personal growth.
What Might Be COIN’s “Magnum Opus”
COIN’s “I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore” could be its best work yet. With its emotional depth and raw vulnerability in both the lyrics and the composition, it is easily one of the band’s top albums. Songs like “Blueberry Smoothie,” “Slack” and “222” are among the album’s best songs, which show the band’s growth while always staying true to the core of what makes COIN, COIN.
In a year filled with notable releases, “I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore” stands out not just for its sonic brilliance, but for the heart it carries. The love COIN has for this album is tangible through each song, which makes fans love it even more. The album reminds us that there is beauty in where we are, not just in where we’re going.
For COIN, and for all of us, this album tells us to let go of the fear of the future and embrace the present.
COIN will be in Utah for its upcoming concert on February 9th at The Great Saltair. Tickets can be purchased here.
