Liza Anne “Internet Depression” EP Review
Liza Anne, known for their more alternative and indie sound, has switched things up on their latest EP “Internet Depression.” The EP combines pop and rock elements with joyous and sometimes bittersweet and contemplative lyrics that leave you wanting more.
Anne begins the EP with the lyrics “Scrolling through versions of my friends I've never met” a feeling anyone can relate to. With the EP’s title track, “Internet Depression,” Anne reflects on the loneliness and doubt that a world dominated by social media has caused. A simple and somber piano accompanies Anne’s vocals, leaving the song feeling empty and isolated, like the feelings you might have after going down a social media rabbit hole. Looking at people’s seemingly perfect lives and questioning why yours isn’t, or as the song mentions, seeing your friends and wondering if you really know them at all.
The EP continues with “Shania Twain is Making Me Cry,” a clever title for an equally clever song about processing the end of a relationship. This isn’t a breakup song like you’ve heard before. Mixing rock and pop instrumentals, the chorus is funky and upbeat, with lyrics like:
“How long do I have to try
To fight the urge to stick with the goodbye?
I’m still in love, what if that never dies?
Shania Twain is out here making me cry.”
In the next track, “Sentimental,” Anne explores feelings of nostalgia and not feeling like yourself. Throughout the song, Anne reflects on a universal feeling of longing for the past and the sometimes endless wondering about what our life would be like if we had made different decisions: "I'm just looking for a life as we left it or is it better if I just forget?” With lyrics like “Just because you lost a lot of could haves doesn’t mean that you lost you,” Anne ultimately comes to the realization that no matter what, we always find our way back to ourselves.
On “Rainbow Sweater,” Anne explores the pressure of fitting in and living up to society’s expectations: “Maybe if I dress the part, I'll turn into that person everybody thinks that I already am.” The track mixes bouncy and energetic instrumentals with Anne’s introspective lyrics but the song quickly becomes a celebration of self-expression and freedom. You can feel the joy and excitement in Anne’s voice as they happily sing the lyrics
"Ooh-aah, I know how to do this
It’s just a couplе of small steps
And I'll get through it, oh-oh-oh, regardless.”
“Internet Depression” concludes with the joyous and groovy “Cheerleader.” Like the title suggests, Anne sings with an upbeat energy to a lively combination of rock and pop instrumentals. The chorus is effortlessly catchy and Anne’s energy is palpable as they sing:
“So cute and you don't even know it
You’re walking that talk and I love it, I love it
Show me how you do it, oh, I want it! I want it!
I’ll be your cheerleader!”
Accompanying “Cheerleader” is an explosive music video that celebrates queer love and joy, as Anne celebrates their sexuality. Anne’s energy in the music video and throughout the song is contagious as the instrumentals build. When the song ends, you can’t help but play it again.
“Internet Depression” takes you on a short, but powerful ride through a wide range of cheerful, nostalgic, and sometimes somber emotions. For more of Liza Anne’s nostalgic lyrics and fun mix of pop and rock sounds, give their debut album “The Colder Months” and their most recent album “Bad Vacation” a listen.