Rare Americans break the rules and defy genre lines on sophomore album

Vancouver punk band Rare Americans break the rules and defy genre lines on their DIY, self-titled, sophomore album Rare Americans 2.

Spanning across 16 robust tracks, each accompanied by eye opening animated visuals created by Solis Animation, the new album allows listeners and viewers entry into the zany world they call Crooked City. With each release to date, Rare Americans offer comfort in walking your own path and tell the stories of mental health, financial issues, systemic pressures, and substance abuse to relationship woes and the struggle of finding your identity. By creating a candid dialogue and encouraging introspection by way of both the lyrical page and their narrative driven videos, the band seeks to find hope while in turn fostering a community for all.

Frontman James Priestner notes:

“This record is a collection of short stories, which are often inspired by the struggles we all go through. However, this record isn’t sad. It’s hopeful. We all go through hardships, but it’s in the ability to bounce back that we find confidence, purpose, and love. It’s never too late to take control of your life. It’s never too late to start over.”

Rare Americans 2 notably features the two part, JUNO-award winning saga, of “Brittle Bones Nicky.” Debuting in 2019, the first part shines a light on Nicky, a kid who grew up in the foster system who just couldn’t beat the odds against him. “Brittle Bones Nicky 2” follows Nicky on his way to the afterlife. Taking an Indiana Jones-like rollercoaster ride, he arrives at the gates of heaven and hell and ultimately learns his fate. Priestner explains:

“He figures he’s a shoo in for heaven, but little does he know, getting in isn’t so simple.”

The track also reflects the band’s dynamic range, blending elements from hip-hop to ska-punk and incorporating a makeshift orchestra, horns section, skank guitar, and 6 different voices to match the animation.

In a departure from their typical acoustic-punk style, Rare Americans weaves a tale of bittersweet regret in “Berlin.” The music video walks listeners through a forbidden love playing out to the backdrop of the Cold War as the protagonists, one from East Berlin and one from West Berlin, become separated from one another. While stripped-down lyrics still brim with Rare Americans’ signature wordplay, the track ebbs with a yearning sorrow. Priestner admits:

“It’s heavy but maybe my favorite video that we’ve made to date. I’ve felt lost many times in my life, so I feel like I can relate to a lot of the Rare Americans listeners. I have to reinvent myself so many times over. I found songwriting, which I became totally enthralled by, but I felt like an imposter. It took years to convince myself I could actually do this. A lot of Rare Americans fans are extremely talented artists from many different disciplines, but when I talk to them I can feel their lack of self belief. That can cause a host of mental anguish, and it’s largely what a lot of Rare Americans 2 is inspire by. It’s been a core part of Rare Americans to empower our listeners to believe in themselves, embrace their weirdness, and understand that you can control your own destiny. But it’s equally important to communicate the amount of effort it takes to get where you want to go. It’s our goal with the new album that people feel a sense of community and support in dealing with their issues, because we are all fighting similar battles.”

So what is their message overall? Think for yourself, be yourself, do it yourself!

Rare Americans 2 is out now, and believe it or not, there’s more to come!

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