Premiere: Poems For Dead People Channel Swagger, Doubt, & Darkness On “Oh Yeah”
Confidence is a slippery force. Without it, progress falters. Every project, goal, or dream becomes mired in self-doubt and hesitation. Yet in excess, confidence can veer into perilous territory, giving rise to traits we scorn in others: pompous, pretentious, patronizing. It’s a delicate balance, a performance of aplomb and bravado almost. Just enough poise to impress without alienating, just enough assurance to move forward without stumbling. Of course, that balancing act can lead to its own shadowy concoction, where fractures let in the worst of all features: doubt, hubris, obstinacy. It’s here where mental ailments breed–imposter syndromes, perfectionisms–turning the whole affair into a darker facet of public life.
“Oh Yeah,” the latest single from recording project Poems For Dead People, nails this feeling with a noir-tinged pop-rock sound; mordant in moments, cautionary in others, and chameleonic in its shifting appeal. Set for release on Friday, March 28 via Blank Verse Records, the track offers a rich commentary on the dualities we navigate daily, where humor often masks pain, and beauty conceals horror. Today, The Auricular is thrilled to premiere this new song with an exclusive stream below as well as a closer look into its hazy prudence.
Poems For Dead People is the recording project of poet, author, and musician Ryan Kent, borrowing its name from his 2014 poetry collection. Known for his searing vocal work in metal bands like Gritter, Murdersome, and Rube, Kent stepped into new territory with his 2022 solo release, Dying Comes With Age, a striking record that blended spoken word and freeform music. That record boasted an impressive roster of collaborators, including D. Randall Blythe (Lamb of God), Dorthia Cottrell (Windhand), Laura Pleasants (Kylesa), and Jimmy Bower (Down, EyeHateGod), among others.
His latest single, the first since that release, follows suit, enlisting the talents of Charlie Glenn, a fixture in Richmond’s music scene known for his work with The Trillions, Palm Palm, Avers, and more. Last year, Glenn stepped into the spotlight with the release of his debut solo record, Get Reflected, a vibrant rock record shaped by years of collaboration and a deep well of musical inspiration drawn from his diverse projects.
On “Oh Yeah,” Glenn crafts a sauntering pop-rock stride, an infectious blend of blues rock swagger and garage rock grit, reminiscent of artists like The Black Keys. Instantly engaging, the music gives Kent’s lyrics the steady, cool composure needed to dissect the fragile veil of confidence (“How do I do it?\ How am I this unique?\ Is it deliberate or is it tongue in cheek?“).
The song’s central mantra–“Oh Yeah\ I am this fine“–draws its plucky spirit directly from the music’s assured strut, echoing its bravado with each utterance. Yet, when the instrumentation subtly shifts in the bridge, the mask slips. A crack appears and doubt beings to seep in: “Why do I say this shit to myself?\ Every single morning\ Just so I get out of bed.” That fleeting moment of vulnerability leads to the track’s most incisive line, one that can either carry you through the day or bring you crashing down: “Even if it’s just to pretend\ That I am this fine.”
‘“Oh Yeah’ is about embracing the tension that exists between pleasure and pain, the highs and lows, and finding beauty in the darkness,” Kent explained in a press statement, hinting at the complexities of emotion at play in the world of contrast and intrigue the song embodies. This new release signals a bold turn in Kent’s musical journey, combining brooding pop sensibilities with sardonic lyricism and swaggering grooves. It’s a collision of moody atmosphere and sharp wit, all elevated by the presence of Charlie Glenn who threads boldness and awareness throughout the track. Together, they carve out a fresh corner of pop-rock that is familiar in its shadowy allure and daringly new in its fresh approach. It’s the kind of song that will have you echoing “Oh Yeah” in its cool drawl… for all the right reasons.
“Oh Yeah” is set for release on Friday, March 28th via Blank Verse Records. To keep up-to-date on future releases from Poems For Dead People, make sure to follow them on social media.
