We recently featured Pathological by Lauren Ash, which served as a raw anthem of vulnerability, tapping into themes of mental health and healing, so when we found out that the rising star was back with the curiously titled, Cool Story, Bro, we couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience!
Cool Story, Bro opens with an extremely fierce, electric guitar soundscape with textured drums, as Lauren sings introspectively about her situation, once again referencing mental health and a human connection. The opus expands into a pop-punk anthem that we could imagine being played in the upcoming reboot of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
We always appreciate Lauren’s authenticity and her assertive nature shines through as she sings, “I hope this finds you unwell… p.s. I hope you die soon…”. It’s giving ultimate breakup anthem levels of energy, whilst being cathartic and empowering in the vein of a pop-punk Taylor Swift vibe, but also a bit like early Avril Lavigne or even Alanis Morissette.
The lyrics are scathing, visceral and descriptive. What Lauren wants to manifest for her ex is quite unhinged, and that’s what makes it feel so real. The artist is writing in an unfiltered manner which will no doubt connect with fans, and invite growth and connection. In fact, it already has with previews of the song at live shows encouraging audience members to send clips to their exes! Damn.
With reference to the lyrical depth, Lauren says, “Cool Story, Bro is an amalgamation of the letters that we have all written to an ex in the weeks and months following a breakup but that you never actually send. [The] lyrics go from sad and almost pathetic to straight up brutal, mean, and petty.”
Cool Story, Bro is Lauren Ash‘s third single, collaborating with producing duo Aaron Verdonk and Jesse Colburn, and the emerging talent is set to release a full album later this year. In the meantime, we continue to stream Lauren Ash’s growing discography, and have added Cool Story, Bro to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist!