“Amber Light Choice pulled out all the stops when putting together this production.”
With a classic American rock feel that comes all the way from Johannesburg, Amber Light Choice’s latest album, Stitches, proves that local alternative rock can stand alongside anything found internationally. Having established themselves in the country’s underground scene, this four-piece band has built a dedicated fan base and poured years of work into this debut full-length album.
Well-polished and precise, the album’s technical execution elevates its entire sound. With fast-paced, upbeat energy, listeners will pick out marching drums, rich power chords, and fiery riffs. This is a band that prides itself on thoughtful, pensive lyrical themes, with each song expressing something unique and provocative. If you allow yourself to listen closely and fully immerse yourself, it will be to your benefit.
Many of their tracks exhibit these traits, with “The Wrong Side of History” being the first that comes to mind. One of their more dynamic and melodic songs, it feels like it is taking you on a drive in a fast car with the windows down. This one is fun to explore lyrically, with lead vocalist Victor Bucarizza shouting “Bitch!” at one point, catching you off guard.
He continues with the lines, “Maybe I’m a sinner, but I sin with you,” and “Maybe you’re my dinner, and I’m starting to starve.” These lyrics paint a picture of an unhealthy relationship with a partner who appears to be shut off and unable to reciprocate affection. With classic guitar breakdowns and a sing-along chorus, this is definitely one of the album’s standout tracks.
Continuing this trend of melodic guitars, “Hey My Friend” was released as a single to kick off the announcement of the new album. In this instance, the protagonist faces the pearly gates, asking why they won’t let him in while begging for a chance to prove himself. Here, the band uses melodic hooks and stretched-out vowel sounds to full effect, building suspense and encouraging listeners to participate. Once again, the guitar breakdowns shine toward the end, bringing home the emotional punch.
The album is also interspersed with slower songs, which helps change up the pace and keep things fresh. “Far Away” is one such track, separating itself with its slow, methodical start. The lyrics also reflect the track’s more sombre tone: “Covered in blood and bruises, I broke what once was whole.” In terms of the story it tells, it is about giving a paramour a chance to forget, move on, and heal. With soft, intimate guitar work, it almost feels as if the song is giving us a moment to breathe within the chaos.
“Strawberry Jam” then comes in and turns everything upside down. With an almost country feel, the band kicks things off by asking, “You ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?” Incredibly punchy, the track employs fun inflections and faster lyrics to tell a very particular story. It centres on a complex female protagonist who gets around and receives flak for it from society and her family. However, the song explains that there is more to her than one might think. She has a difficult home life and is simply searching for a genuine connection; instead, all she receives is empty empathy.
Amber Light Choice pulled out all the stops when putting together this production. It is as if they enjoy building sets with their sound, on which drama and action unfold. Like any soap opera, there are high highs and low lows. And if you are not careful, you will be swept away to somewhere familiar, yet strange.
