OpCritical is a new band, but sounds like they have a pretty clear purpose this year. They wish to express themselves, and at four singles in they are doing that with strength and confidence. Their latest track is called “Doing Fine” and it's as energetic and has garnered them millions of views and radio play around the globe.
Much of the song is drawn from grunge/punk, but it's never the nostalgic imitation of older bands or a heavy reliance. There is a lot of energy in the guitar riffs as soon as they start, and the suspended guitar lines throughout the rest of the song add to this feeling of restlessness and searching. The piece flows well between loud and soft, which keeps the energy level fairly even throughout the piece. The tune is also quite catchy. After hearing it, it's kind of stuck in your head pretty fast.
The lengthier weight of the song is what it is saying. OpCritical are discussing conformity and the pressure people feel to think and act a certain way due to institutions, politics and social media telling them to do so. The song is a stand against that pressure. Not aggressively, but with a sure confidence. It reaches the people who have felt different or out of place and tells them they are still OK.
That message is effective because the band is playing it as if they actually believe it. The vocals have just the right amount of energy to go with the lyrics and song tone. The show does not sound or look contrived, empty or overly polished. It sounds more like a group of people saying something that they really believe in, and that they are all behind.
OpCritical has managed to create music with political and social ideas and not come across as being heavy or preachy. The song is stimulating rather than strenuous. It reminds people that individuality is still there and has value, and still should be protected. If you're feeling overwhelmed with expectations or pressure recently, you'll likely relate to “Doing Fine” in a very personal way.
