Medium Build strips down to his purest form on ‘Takeaways’
As a glimpse into the “early times,” Medium Build released a three-track project, Takeaways, that showcases some favorite, “ancient relics from the back catalog,” as he shared in a recent post.
“Hey sluts/build bunnies/tattooed baristas and the queer children of republicans,” Medium Build said. “It’s Medium here with a new little batch of tunes called ‘takeways’ that’s out now!”
Takeaways features three previously unreleased gems, “White Male Privilege,” “Bigger,” and “Miseryy.” Along with the project, Medium Build hosted flash tattoo events, featuring designs by Emma Cotter, in his hometown of Anchorage and Nashville.
The stripped back tracks feature Medium Build in his truest form– merely his voice and guitar, with introspective, deeply personal, heavy-hitting lyricism.
“White Male Privilege” describes Medium Build’s realization of the handouts that he’s been given from life due to his identity. He comes to terms with being told he’s like his lover’s dad, while grappling with the statement’s validity and how he ended up in this position.
The song’s powerful bridge illustrates a sparkling American dream, complete with kids, work, rope lights in the backyard, and a minivan, ending with the curiosity of where he went wrong and determining he will end up alone.
The lyrics cut deep, making it both relatable to someone who shares an identity with Medium Build, and critique the privilege given by society from an outside point of view. Simply put, the song dares to ask questions and spark opinions, while showcasing deep emotion and personal anecdotes.
Societal analyses and romantic yearning continue with “Bigger.” Beginning with the narrative of nearly having a panic attack on your phone, to the feeling that you need to simplify yourself to find love, Medium Build seemingly takes thoughts right out of the listener's head. “Bigger” is a song that will leave your heart wrenched, with an ounce of hope.
“Why do we have to be something bigger than we were yesterday?” Medium Build asks. “Why do we have to be always getting better in every way?”
The project comes to a close with “Miseryy.” The track starts with a feeling of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” However, the lyrics take a darker turn, as the narrator and his love interest dive deeper into pills, alcohol, and cheating. The hurt builds to an explosive ending with powerful folk vocals, oozing with pain.
“I got a '97 Grand Am,” Medium Build sings. “You got a thirty-dollar haircut.”
Takeaways is a raw, honest, and eruptive collection of songs that display Medium Build’s immense musical talents, purely with his vocals and guitar. Takeaways is aptly named; the songs cut deep and leave a sting, making the flash tattoo events a perfect touch to the project’s rollout.
Medium Build will be making his way to Coachella next month, before joining both Tyler Childers and Rainbow Kitten Surprise on their respective tours for the rest of the year, with a special stop at the Alaska State Fair in the midst.
