Are you starting to feel good again now that the sunny weather is helping you shed a layer or two? Good, because you should. But in case you need a reminder of such, Today Junior has your back.
That’s pretty much the premise for “Fake Intentions,” a brand new single off Today Junior’s upcoming album, Single Forever. Recorded and mixed by Elio DeLuca at Medford mainstay The Soul Shop, the song sees the Boston trio doing what they do best: bursting into their own world of poppy surf rock. While we’re used to hearing singer and guitarist Harry O’Toole, drummer Mike O’Toole, and bassist Anthony Ambrose pen songs this catchy on the regular, “Fake Intentions” takes it a step farther. Casual drum fills and faux-sloppy bass make way for a sunny guitar solo that makes you feel like you’re a brand new person.
You can hear it in the lyrics, too. “Thinking for yourself, it’s easy / Do what you see, say what they say / All this time you were pretending / Plastic faces, fake intentions,” sings O’Toole. Right before the song ends, he slips in another reminder. “Don’t close your eyes There’s no need to hide all the time.” The whole thing is made perfect by the fact that all three members sing, occasionally making way for some sweet (but subtle) harmonies.
According to the band, that feel-good vibe was a play on false presentations and first impressions. “’Fake Intentions’ ties in to the overall concept of our new album by expressing our feelings towards individuality,” they said over email.“The lyrics play on how people lose sense of who they are by becoming consumed by social constructs through day-to-day life. While we all experience these kinds of moments and people at different times in life, it’s always a good reminder to stay true to your own self.”
For those of you hungry for more, you won’t have to wait much longer. Today Junior’s album, Single Forever, comes out on April 6. You can purchase it then via Bandcamp. And while you’re waiting for the clock to tick faster, check out a live version of “Fake Intentions” below. Filmed at Big Nice Studios, it shows how the trio interpret the song in a live setting without losing any of the energy.
