In his sophomore EP Too Young For New York, Alexander Fairchild is in search of a purpose.
The songs mark his quest for a meaning in his life, presented in catchy and inspired indie rock form. These are feelings everyone can relate to on some level, and Fairchild channels them into poetic lyrics and a unique rock sound.
Songs on Too Young For New York are Alexander Fairchild’s ‘Mindfulness Narratives’
“This EP is a collection of songs about being in love while being stuck in the ‘in-between’ of life,” Fairchild explains of his new record. “My psychologist calls it ‘mindfulness’ — being present in life and body instead of obsessing over outcomes — so these are mindfulness narratives.”
The album opens with “Bogart and Bacall,” an emotionally raw and slightly dark song about anxiety and self-deprecation.
It beings with mellow vocals that are driven by a more energized drum beat. It all comes to a breaking point in the chorus, where Fairchild’s voice is strong and pleading, trying to work up the courage to approach the girl he has feelings for: “She has a smile that’s made to last / And I’m the loser she’s walking past.”
Next comes “Red Bikini,” a song that basks in the good vibes of summer and serves as a great contrast to “Bogart and Bacall.”
Fairchild sings in admiration of his girl, and the chorus has a playful and carefree sound. Though the chorus is catchy and positive, the bridge is really what makes the song special. It suddenly transitions into an ambient sound, the vocals echoing and making it sound very dream-like. Eventually it transitions back into the same upbeat chorus, jamming to the end.
But the good vibes don’t last forever.
The album’s title track emphasizes the feelings of stress and confusion that come with looking for a purpose and finding where you belong.
“I’m too young for New York / I’m too old for LA,” Fairchild sings. “I don’t know what I want / But I know what I hate.”
The verses are dark, and the chorus has a great steady rock groove. It’s definitely a highlight of the album, one where Fairchild channels his deepest feelings into beautifully personal music.
“Arizona” may not be Fairchild’s strongest musical offering on Too Young for New York, but its lyrics tell an interesting story. It’s a recollection of memories that provide a lot of context for the feelings Fairchild explores in the other songs on the record. He also asks a lot of questions without offering answers. Lyrically, it explains a lot about who Fairchild is and what he’s searching for, but he finds much greater musical success in his earlier songs.
Too Young for New York ends on a positive note with “Heart Shaped Pool.”
It’s a great rock anthem with solid guitar lines, and Fairchild’s vocals are strong with energy. He’s back to dreaming in this song, thinking of what he has to look forward to and what he’s looking for. Even if he hasn’t found the solution to his problems yet, he’s getting there and going for it.
It’s infectiously catchy, and it’s the perfect way to end the record. From “Bogart and Bacall” to “Heart Shaped Pool,” Fairchild maps a clear path of growth and self discovery. It’s a privilege to follow Fairchild on this path by listening to Too Young for New York.
Alexander Fairchild’s Too Young for New York is available now for streaming. You don’t want to miss it.
