Only Yours: Overrun Album Review

By Maria Coraza
Music Journalist

Artist: Only Yours
Album: Overrun
Release Date: Feb. 1, 2019
Label: Pirates Blend Records
Website: https://piratesblend.com/artists/only-yours/

Only Yours is a post-pop band based in Toronto, Canada that debuted in 2016 with their premiere track “Different.” Lead by singer/songwriter Lowel Sostomi (lead voice/guitar), thefour-piece ensemble also includes Kyle Watt (drums), Shaun Hogan (keys-guitar), and Devon Henderson (bass). Only Yours’ sound is influenced by pop-alternative bands such as Tears For Fears and The Cure with a present-day twist. Produced by Joe Chiccarelli (The Shins, The White Stripes, Morrissey) and engineered by Leon Taheny (Arcade Fire, Dilly Dally Weaves), Overrun features 10 tracks of emotionally-driven and energetic pieces featuring zestful synths and flowing chords.

The opening track, “Doubts,” makes its entrance through an electric guitar and synth-like bass supporting Sostomi’s warm vocals. Although the song is upbeat and relatively fast-paced, there is an underlying hint of both mellowness and melancholy. In the chorus, Sostomi sings, “You were right to have your doubts, I let you down this time,” to indicate some sort of betrayal to a loved one as they work towards a reconciliation.

Overrun continues with my favorite track “Different.” With a lighthearted and atmospheric vibe, the song can be best described as something you would listen to as you take a late-night, rainy drive through a glowing neon city. This track is one of their earlier released works from their self-titled EP and is definitely a bop of Overrun. The title track “Overrun” displays the contrast between slow and delicate verses with vibrant and driving choruses. “Overrun” hits the album’s collective main idea of self-reflection as you undergo through the busy motions of life.

The tracks “By Now,” “Hamburg” and “Surely I” share the common theme of reminiscing on previous endeared lovers or friends. With contemplation and yearning, these songs embody the valuable lessons learned through personal relationships. Sostomi’s lyrical phrase from “Surely I” highlights his beautiful songwriting. “At the edge of my dreams where you’ve always been in the midst of troubled seas, I’ll wait for a day you are carried away in the mouth of a tidal wave” portrays the idea of trying to let go of a person you love.

“Everlasting” reveals another lively and catchy tune featuring a refreshing saxophone solo by Joseph Shabason. Sostomi sings the lyrics “In the light of a new day, will you still feel the same [or] will I just have memories of you?” with the idea of gripping something tighter when you feel it slipping away. Overrun also slows down the pace with its final track, “Stay,” a melancholic piece of loving someone who will not be around for long. Featuring elegant orchestral arrangements, a slow-pulse beat, and atmospheric reverbs this track provides a heart-wrenching element of the album.

Only Yours has a strong suit of emotional vulnerability to the topic of love and loss. Overrun’s flow is consistent from one track to another, making for an enjoyable, easy-listening experience. Overall, Overrun’s mixture of self-reflective lyrics and ethereal layers present the epitome of youthful anticipation and romance.