Review: ‘Someone I Always Wanted To Be’ by igor
Someone I Always Wanted to Be is about transformation, truth, and recognizing love and strength in places previously unseen. Each song is fueled by the determination to confront hurt and past pain while seeking to reach nirvana. It feels like the beginning of something grounded and authentic rather than the end of something painful and thrill-filled. There’s so much love and strength being echoed between the sonic elements, led by Igor’s soulful and confrontational vocal. Of course, Someone I Always Wanted to Be talks about past love and toxic patterns, but it’s done in the way of a spiraling inquiry. The truth at each stage is different, as reflected by the tone and the color of the songs. Like collecting pieces of puzzles, together, the tracks form a complete story. The non-linear aspect of Someone I Always Wanted to Be makes this album artistically distinctive. At the same time, non-linear storytelling is the very thing that glues the feelings and stories in each track together.
“These Walls” is a heartfelt ballad, semi-formal, but emotionally naked. The album opener sets a tone, though not for the rest of the album, but the piece of the story it tells as it details a past relationship in a slow waltz, determined and steady, until the electric guitar sets everything on fire. “These Walls” feels like the start of a change. “To Find The One” changes the beat. The energetic punk rhythm attempts to tear a hole in the repeating pretense and lies. The punchiness of punk seems like the perfect sonic representation of the experience of being trapped in an endless cycle before “Alone” offers the liberating twist, where one finally breaks free from the restraint. Though similarly set in the genre of punk, “To Find The One” is much darker and relentless, while “Alone” is a punk anthem that offers a sense of hope.
It’s worth noting how Igor plays with elements, exploring the nuances in timbre and tone while stylistically almost staying in the same place. At the same time, a shift in style signifies an important change in perspective and message .“Burn” beams with Red Hot Chili Peppers energy, marking the start of a new life in the album. The mesmerizing tune is simply perfect with every sonic development hitting the right spot. From the soaring guitar riff to the cathartic bridge, “Burn” is a hit. “Castle” expands on the soulfulness of the sounds and experiments with darker and bolder elements, almost like Tyler Bryant meeting Lincoln Park, smashing and cinematic.
“Lonely Hearts” reminds me of the early days of Avril Lavigne. There’s something innocent and nostalgic being brought to the surface as it takes a new look at the relationship from a grander scope. The song shifts away from pain and shows compassion and understanding for the past self. “Me.” marks a well-deserved and anticipated turn to rock n roll once again. The flaming track opens with a stadium-filling vibe, enriching the atmosphere with chiming electric guitar soundscapes. There’s a lot of forward movement in the song. “In This City” is soulful and empowering. The duet highlights the support and relatability with a lot of strength and healing in the music. “My Own Way” sees things coming in a full circle, which is hard-earned. The almost spiritually musical track is full of stories and momentum.
