14. Single Review of Kaitlyn by Eric Dangerfield

Originally published July 12th, 2024

About the Artist

Eric Dangerfield is a singer, a songwriter, and a multi-instrumentalist from Palm Coast. He has loved performing ever since his first performance during his school talent show at just 8 years old. Though this will be a review of a single released under Eric’s name, he is also the frontman of a rock band called The Paradox. Make sure you check them out on Instagram and show them some support!

You can hear Eric’s new single “Kaitlyn” by clicking right here.

Kaitlyn

The headline on Eric Dangerfield’s band’s Instagram states, “Pop punk isn’t dead,” and his song “Kaitlyn” seems poised to prove it. Opening with a double-shot of every single bit of the drum kit, layered rhythm guitar, and a lead part riding parallel octaves over a punk pop melody, Dangerfield brings us right into the party. 

Instrumentally, the band sounds comparable to legendary pop punk band, Blink-182. This is probably a personal preference, but Dangerfield is a much better singer than Mark or Tom, making the courageous decision to enunciate, and the tone of his voice just so clear and crisp. He doesn’t distract with any vibrato (not a punk trademark anyway) and similar to the Menna song I reviewed last week, I can hear a diversity and power in his voice that hints to maybe being able to branch out of the genre.

Any time I listen to a band, I pay close attention to the symmetry of the drummer and the bass player. In my opinion, if those two musicians find harmony, the sky is the limits. This relationship is evident here as both are consistently in the pocket. When this relationship is symbiotic, it allows the guitars to really explore all of the places they can go instrumentally. 

There is a more complex element within the arrangement as well. Midway through the song, a key change takes place. This isn’t uncommon in music, not even punk rock, but what it does is exhibit a band who are experimenting with their sound and working to grow as musicians. 

The highlight of this song is certainly Dangerfield’s vocals, if we can go back to them. His range doesn’t take him too high or too low. He doesn’t try to ornament his voice with vibrato or raspiness. It’s pure, simple, and spot on. I think he could even challenge his range a bit more. It’s not necessary for a song like this, but I’d be interested to hear what he brings to the table in other performances.

If I could offer one criticism, it is this: punk pop, punk rock, garage band rock music has the potential to sound derivative. Listening to this song, there are a dozen songs I could reference that sound similar; NOT the same, but similar. That’s fine, similar reference to music can make a song more relatable and catchy. Hell, that is th GOAL of the recording industry. And it’s a proven formula. Punk music isn’t going anywhere any time soon.  However, as a musician, I would like to challenge any band I see as having potential to transcend. Transcend your instruments, transcend your writing, transcend your genre. Don’t be afraid to GROW. Considering Dangerfield and the members of The Paradox look young, I would say there is plenty of time for that. 

Lyrics

Similarly, the lyrics fit right in with the punk pop genre. “Kaitlyn” tells the story of a girl. Our protagonist has placed her on a pedestal. Inevitably, she ends up breaking his heart as she hooks makes out with his best friend at the movies. A chorus echoing “You made me cry/I don’t know why/ I was so/Head over heels for you,” our hero learns the tragic lesson of what might happen when one falls in love. 

It’s a good story, well written, with proficient rhyme schemes and it fits perfectly with the melody of the song.

Final Thoughts

I love a good band with a great potential. Eric Dangerfield and The Paradox are just that. A fun, young, and energetic punk rock band with boat loads of potential. You share a path with some of the greats: Blink-182, Sum 41, Weezer, Green Day, and so many more started where you are. Their passion and dedication took them to a place where they continue to play for thousands to this very day. So, keep writing. Keep writing good songs. Keep writing bad songs. You’ll learn from both. Then you’ll start writing great songs. 

I am rooting for you. I’m cheering for you. I am here for it.

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