March Music Writing Challenge Day 21: Michael Cera Palin

A band with one of the funniest and coolest names in the scene, Michael Cera Palin has recently put out a new album called “We Could Be Brave”. However, I fell in love with them by listening to their 2018 release “I Don’t Know How To Explain It”, so I want to speak on that one if you’ll let me.

The first track is probably my current favorite, Portrait of a Woman on a Couch With Cats, sounds like he’s reading out a portion of his diary, not holding back or covering up any emotions. Some lyrics that I adore are: “In other words, I’m doing well / I’m learning what care means without anyone else / I don’t blame you, I wish I could’ve left myself / But my wrist is now clean and my thoughts are more clear / I hope you will listen, but hope you won’t hear me / Tripping, stumbling, falling on deaf ears”. As someone who had at least one relationship in the past that crumbled due to my abhorrent mental health, emotional manipulation, and self-injury, I’ve come out on the other side a decade later as a new person…but still holding that shame of my past closer to my chest than I should.

All five of these tracks on this EP make me introspective and emotional, yet I’m still hopeful for change and healing. I love the vocals, the lyrics, and the instrumentation throughout is fun as well as memorable.

I hope to one day see Michael Cera Palin in person and their newest album is close to the top of my list labeled “New Music to Listen to ASAP”. Stream all of their music on Bandcamp, Apple Music, and Spotify now!

P.S. The new album has some killer cover art

Artist Links & Handles:

Bandcamp Link: https://michaelcerapalin.bandcamp.com/album/i-dont-know-how-to-explain-it

IG: @michaelcerapalin

X: @mcp_emo