Self Made World by John Lebanon: Review

by admin June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

John Lebanon’s newest single, “Self Made World”, released on May 29, 2025, is a shimmering slice of psych-inflected indie rock. With members Roy, Matt, Jihad, and Deluccia at the helm, the Boston-based band continues its tradition of marrying nostalgic folk-pop vibes with modern sensibilities. And here, they hit a particularly heartfelt note. Built from the ground up in a basement studio using a PRS Custom and a Fender Stratocaster, with live drums, the song exudes analog warmth and emotional sincerity.

The track opens gently, like a lullaby, with soft tapping beats and shimmering guitar melodies that wrap around the listener like a blanket. The singer’s high, tender voice, tinged with vulnerability, enters delicately and sings comforting lines. At some point, he sings, “Beneath the city lights, I will be your guide” and “I can be your angel, wings stretched wide / In battle grounds, side by side.” The resolve in the lyrics comes as an assurance of loyalty and presence in an indifferent world. It’s intimate and affirming.

While the sound is unmistakably indie, there’s something timeless in the songwriting. The harmonies float, the percussion shakes gently in the background, and you can hear the influence of classic storytelling, perhaps even a nod to the Lennon comparisons the frontman once received.

“Self Made World” speaks to mental health, resilience, and the kind of emotional support we all hope to find in someone. At just over three minutes, the song leaves behind calm assurance. Listen to it, so that, in this self-made world, you don’t have to face the darkness alone.