Of the Highway by Oldstar

American culture from 2000s pop punk bangers to golden age Hollywood westerns cherishes the idea of moving across the country and starting a new life. However, an exponential cost of living crisis and the accompanying cultural pessimism severely dampen the appeal of “getting out of this town,” as showcased by the nuanced escapism of Of the Highway by Oldstar. Continuing the development of their psychedelic, noisy, yet undeniably traditional country sound, Oldstar combines charming, approachable vocals with wildly dynamic instrumentals whose highs feature a massive distorted guitar sound. Yearning lyrics muse of a potential new life far away, but a viciously cyclical song structure points out the narrator’s stagnant reality. Deep down, we know all our problems will eventually follow us across the continent, and with the internet in everyone’s pockets physical distance can only provide us so much insulation from home. However, the crushing financial and logistical reality that mandates we stay put makes even this realistic read deeply melancholic, mourning what could have been even if its chances of living up to our hopes remain slim to none.