[Review] Antarctigo Vespucci: "Leavin' La Vida Loca"
At first, Leavin’ La Vida Loca by the indie folk-inspired punk duo Antarctigo Vespucci seems less reminiscent of Chris Farren and Jeff Rosenstock’s main projects (Fake Problems, Jeff Rosenstock) and more of Antarctigo Vespucci’s first EP, Soulmate Stuff. Establishing Antarctigo Vespucci as their own, vibrantly disparate sound than their alter-egos, the duo have proved to be just as a part of one act as they are another. That’s especially true with their sophomore record, Leavin’ La Vida Loca via Really Records and Quote Unquote Records.
I'll admit, the record wasn’t much to bump a pulse as far as the two’s wide range of projects go at first; oh how wrong can a person be. After a few plays, I realized the record is beachy, warm, mature and melancholy. It’s like watching the finale of your favorite show - it’s bittersweet. While the two have always been keen on bad breakups and lost love, this record is set apart because of their acceptance of the bad. The songs, “Hooray for Me,” “Save Me From Myself” and “Losing My Mind” show the two are more comfortable fighting with their own inner struggles (or lack thereof) in a lighthearted way.
“Crashing Waves” strengthens the aforementioned beachy element of the record (this would be the soundtrack to a montage of two punks walking along the beach) with lines like, “I was ready to go as soon as I arrived,” accurately describing the duo’s social anxiety they address in their various musical endeavors, and Antarctigo Vespucci is no exception. “No Bad Memories” is the most upbeat song with brash electric guitars and a folky twist, while “I See Failure” holds the summary of the record as the closer. The lyrics describe a failing relationship and resonates through younger audiences by the line “When I pretend I’m not feeling well so I don’t have to hang out with your friends in a crowded bar of idiots” as the melancholy couple grow apart - or more so, one partner away from the other. Relatable and rough, Anarctigo Vespucci has definitely established their own sound with Leavin’ La Vida Loca.
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