Sticks & Stones by svicideghost: Review

by Damien Reid October 19, 2022

October 19, 2022

Sticks & Stones by svicideghost: Review

Sticks & Stones is the latest single from Worcester, Massachusetts’ svicideghost, and it’s an honest exploration of a broken connection. It’s the fourth in line from the set of 2021 singles. Before this number, svicideghost mostly featured emo-rap, but ‘Sticks & Stones’ resembles a catchy modern pop-punk production. svicideghost seems to get the hang of the genre in this title, albeit hints from other musical elements of emo, indie rock, indie pop, and dream pop.

The vocal portions, melodies, chord progressions, riffs, warm-sounding basslines, and rhythmic sequences are all intertwined together in a seamless manner. The artist takes you through mellow acoustics, calming and therapeutic, featuring honest lyrics describing the death of a friendship sung in charming vocals. The story-telling lyrics draw us in with a sense of longing and reminiscence despite the song’s pleasant tones and uplifting melody. Throughout the song, we hear glinting traces of melody and acoustic guitar playing a rural style.

As the bouncy vibe seeps in, you’ll be tempted to bounce with it. svicideghost put as much effort into the song’s verses as its choruses since they are what draw your attention to the narrative. The final chorus, however, is extremely distorted and forceful, bolstered by vocal screams, revealing the song’s origins in anguish and repressed rage. This raw ending is a fitting capstone to the infectious pop-punk tune.