COIN has conquered their fears, and it shows.
The Nashville group released their fifth studio album titled I’m Not Afraid Of Music Anymore on Sept. 13, 2024.
COIN’s latest album is masterfully crafted. It is full of references to their past work, and fits into place in their discography like a puzzle, with every song connecting to a broader theme of self-forgiveness and vulnerability.
Accordingly, the album is COIN’s most vulnerable yet. The heart and emotion put into the music is expressed in each song. Whether it be the fast-paced, head banging bridge of “It’s hard to care about everything” or the solemn, reflective “Bloodtype”.
The band emphasized that this is the most authentically themselves they have ever been – as a band and as people. “We’ve never felt like this before — seeing ourselves & each other for who we are instead of only who we want to be. We leaned everything we had into this music, and it kissed us back.” COIN wrote in an Instagram post on Sept. 4
The album was originally titled The Kiss, but was ultimately named after a turning point in the band’s creative process inspired by their producer, Gabe Simon’s five-year-old daughter. After she finished recording backing vocals for the album, she promptly took off her headphones and announced “I’m not afraid of music anymore!”
Lawrence said what was making him reluctant to make music was his own self-judgement. “I’m not afraid of music anymore because I’m not afraid of where I am anymore” said Lawrence in a post on the band’s Instagram page.
The band’s acceptance of where they are musically and emotionally led to an album representative of the brand the band has built for themselves over the past 12 years. Every song has its own individual vibe, but stays consistent with their signature indie pop/rock style. The whistle of the harmonica in “Strawberry Jam” and the heavy roar that is “Problem” have distinct differences, but have notable similarities in songwriting lyrically.
The album is filled with emotional narratives from real life experiences. On Soundcloud’s Voice Notes, Lawrence delves into select songs, all of them having a direct personal connection to the band instead of painting fictional portraits. “[Writing “Problem”] became the most therapeutic release of a song we’ve ever made”.
The listening experience of I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore is the most impactful out of the band’s discography. While COIN has created some heartbreaking tunes such as “Lately” and “Earth to God”, this album in particular covers a comprehensive list of concepts like sobriety, identity and abandonment.
I’m Not Afraid Of Music Anymore is a front-to-back album that fits in COIN’s 12 year discography seamlessly. The album expresses vulnerability, self-acceptance, and reminds the listener to view themselves through a lens of forgiveness.
COIN was in Toronto Oct. 17, 2024 at Massey Hall.