The Constellations Make Their Long-Awaited Return With, “Problematic For The People”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Have you ever listened to a band that caught your attention on the first listen? If so, what made them standout? Was it their cadence? Instrumentation? Songwriting? This week, I came across a rising band that made me fall in love with music all over again. That band is The Constellations. With roots that trace back to Atlanta, the Nashville-based band has taken the music industry by storm. With placements in TV shows such as Chuck, Royal Pains, Suits, & Vampire Diaries, their vibrant sound has been engrained in US pop culture. They are raw, daring, and their captivating rock sound will have you hooked on the first listen. They have innate ability to craft genre-bending sounds that evoke raw emotions out of their listeners. Now, they enter our pages with their long-awaited album, “Problematic For The People”.
For people that are new to the iconic band, you are surely in for a treat. Originally started in Atlanta in 2008, the band has a sound that feels like a blend of Tom Petty meets the Strokes meets Elvis Costello. Their sound is fresh, nostalgic, and it has an edge. Although they have been featured in pop culture, the band took a hiatus for several years before re-emerging in mid-2023. The front man, Elijah Jones, found that his recent songwriting for his side project would be a better fit for the band. His songwriting prowess brings a new energy and life to The Constellations, and the band sound better than ever. Made up of Elijh Jones (frontman), Erik Matthijs on guitar/synth, Jared Wuestenberg on bass, and Nicholas Ferrell on drums, the band make their groundbreaking return.
For me, “Problematic For The People” feels like the band’s magnum opus. It’s a shimmering light of hope for modern rock, and it’s some of the most refreshing music I have heard this year. The album was produced, mixed, and mastered by Jonny Lucas at Round Corner Studios in Nashville, TN. Personally, I found the album to be a cohesive masterpiece full of rich sounds, warm instrumentation, and exceptional songwriting. Jones’ vocal delivery throughout the project was a chef’s kiss. My favorite songs were “Before I Take You Home”, “The Kiss”, & “Coming For My Bones”.
“Before I Take You Home” is a breezy record that has a memorable build-up. I loved the sonics. The raspy vocals meshed with the easy-going guitars provides a sense of warmth to the overall sound. Personally, that hook was otherworldly. “The Kiss” is another must-hear track. The record is a love story about two friends that ultimately fall in love. I loved the pacing of the song, and I fell in love with the lush melodies, captivating harmonies, & the engaging guitar riffs. This was a sonic masterpiece. This is a song that you listen to at sunset with the top down. I feel like driving with my windows down every time I hear the sweet melodies of the guitars. “Coming For My Bones” was my personal favorite. This was a colorful record with an anthemic feel. If I could recommend one song for you to listen to on this album, it would be this one. This song best describes their overall sound. “Coming For My Bones” makes a statement, and it shows the band’s overall maturity.
Overall, this is one of my favorite albums. With that being said, stream the album below and vibe out!
