Indie Anthemics Done Right: A Review of Michiganders Debut Album
Image provided by BigHassle Media. Erik Frost
Singer-songwriter Jason Singer, who releases music under the moniker Michigander, is set to release his first LP following three viral EPs with C3 Records. Since releasing his first single, “Nineties,” in 2016, Singer has more than demonstrated his ability to grow and stand out in a genre as saturated as indie pop.
Self-titled Michigander is a unique twelve-track long play that showcases Singer’s ability to break genre boundaries and create a sound that is uniquely his own while also playing off of other signature indie-pop tropes. Michigander is rich with Singer’s staple introspective lyricism, strong vocals, and anthemic soundscapes which bring the listener on a sonic journey through heartache. Overall, the album is a study in experimentation that puts Singer’s musical talent on full display and sets the stage for Michigander’s inevitable growth.
Singer has given listeners an early taste of the upcoming album through four singles which set up its sound. Songs like “Peace of Mind” and "Giving Up" offer glimpses into the artist’s signature indie-pop/alt rock style, while “Breaker Box" shows off Singer’s capability with ballads. These tracks do a solid job highlighting what Singer excels at, but his best is undoubtedly "Giving Up.” This song is a classic Michigander song with its simple melody, roomy production, and introspective lyrics about life, love, and trying too hard. “Giving Up” is an effective litmus test for most of the album with the exception of a few standout songs that spotlight Singer’s ability to bend genre rules.
Moving down the tracklist, Singer slows it down a bit with “Important” and conveys what it sounds like when he really dives into his feels. With its simple piano arrangement and stripped down vocals, “Important” is a laid-bare ballad about what it means to be in love with someone while being continuously let down. The song is slow and sincere with its heartfelt lyrics and elegant production while showing off Singer’s vocal range. The emotional vibes are almost immediately contradicted by “Socialite,” an edgy pop-punk track characterized by its fast tempo and classic guitar riffs. The song’s heavy percussion and punchy vocals lend it an energy that remains unmatched throughout Michigander’s discography.
“Socialite” finds itself unwilling to fit into Singer’s lyrical style as well. While Michigander is generally heavy-handed with themes of self discovery, unrequited love, and being wary of change, “Socialite” pulls back the curtain on what it means to live publicly. The song builds itself around the mantra, “I've got you right where I want you/don’t close your eyes” and “I know you better than you do/don’t close your eyes”, providing a three minute commentary on fame and being a public figure.
Michigander is an impressive debut LP that highlights Jason Singer's growth as an artist and his ability to navigate the often tricky terrain of indie pop while still crafting something uniquely his own. The album is a dynamic blend of introspective lyrics, experimental sounds, and genre-bending moments that showcase Singer’s versatility and artistic depth. From rousing tracks like “Giving Up” to heartfelt ballads like “Important,” as well as the high-energy “Socialite."
Michigander is both a reflection on personal growth and a bold step forward in Singer’s musical journey. As the album builds and unfolds, it’s clear that he is carving out a space for himself in the indie music scene, leaving listeners excited for what comes next as he continues to evolve.