There are albums you listen to and you can tell that it has a story behind it and an inspiration. It all began at Berklee College of Music in Boston where a group of talented musicians, led by songwriter Gene Waalenstein, came together with a specific vibe in mind. They has plans to take the raw, slightly moody sounds of Indie pop and mix them with the storytelling style of Americana. Their second album, The World Inside, is exactly where that dream comes to life.
One thing that stands out for me in this album is how the album explores the idea of who we really are versus who we pretend to be. The track “It’s Just a Show,” inspired by philosopher Alan Watts, lays this idea out clearly. It suggests that a lot of what we show the world is more like a performance, something like a coping mechanism.
The World Inside throws one big question at us; Is this real or are we just acting? The band takes a deeper look at the masks we wear every day to hide who we really are and what we really go through.
The album moves through a variety of stories and characters, each one feeling unique but connected. “Mr. September” has a dreamy, almost surreal quality that pulled me in right away, while “Fortunate Sons” brings a sharper, more grounded energy with its social commentary. I found myself enjoying how these songs feel like snapshots of different people and moments—some strange, some familiar, but all very relatable and real.
The Everyday People lyrically zooms in on the follies and the foibles of regular life. It talks about the people we tend to come across as we go about out daily lives and how they all are a part of what makes our day. This album doesn’t try to create a perfect life, it is just trying to be true. This piece of work is the sound of a musical band that wants to dive into the complicated aspect of life and not just the easy part. Even with its heavier themes, the album has a lot of heart. “Words You Like To Say” feels sharp and a bit bitter, while “Love Wonders Why” leans into a softer, more reflective sadness.
By the time you eventually get to the final song, you are reminded that we are all on the same journey and The World Inside is a gift for those who like to look beneath the surface. This album reminds you that every single moment, even the heavy ones is a chance for a little bit of grace. It’s thoughtful without being complicated, emotional without being overwhelming. For me, it’s the kind of album that grows on you the more time you spend with it, and one that I can see myself coming back to when I need something real.
LISTEN TO THE ALBUM and see for yourself.
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