5 Cent Sunday is the project of Maine native Ben. The artist started playing guitar in 2003 at eight and began writing music at 14. Over the years, he has become a multi-instrumentalist and learned to record. Scenes from 90s post-hardcore/emo, 80s thrash metal, and hardcore punk influence his recordings, giving them their familiar yet refreshing sound, but with a grunge/nu-metal twist. Everything is written and produced by me in Ben’s living room.
The artist’s new single, “Christine,” is a pop-tinged grunge explosion of heartfelt songwriting and distorted melodies. The at-home recording techniques of 5 Cent Sunday give the song a lo-fi warmth, the perfect element to juxtapose the modern angst and delicate details of a budding relationship explored in the lyrics. The multi-hyphenate fearlessly details his insecurities when dealing with love, an emotional state everyone has experienced yet isn’t discussed. The way Ben delivers these lyrics feels vulnerable and welcoming, a way for the listener to connect with the artist through the complex production on “Christine.” The verses feel comfortable in their indie-rock tendencies, following the lead of an infectious drum pattern and grunge-influenced guitar riffs. This fireworks display of a hook disrupts the blissfulness. Throat-scratching vocals navigate dense distortion with surgical precision, a stunning execution of walking the thin line between influence and self-expression. 5 Cent Sunday gives us an anthem on “Christine.” The single is the marriage of a tireless work ethic and natural prowess, allowing Ben to pen his emotional poetry and deliver it with a dark showmanship.
“Things once broken can still become beautiful,” is the quote Ben gave when asked about the song, but the line is from the person he wrote the song about.
One Response
That’s awesome
It’s great to see a younger generation put forth the work required to step outside the norm. Be your self and express your feelings raw and unchecked.