As I look to explore past my usual metal/post-hardcore reviews, I stumbled across Diet Cig in a line of upcoming albums. I was pleased with my initial listen of their single “Thriving” off of the upcoming album Do You Wonder About Me? I could sense some pent-up frustration being let loose in this band’s format, and sought to see what the rest of the new album has to offer for listeners looking to vent.

Starting right off is “Thriving,” immediately asking the posed party if they’ve wondered about the vocalist. This sets the tone for the song to display that the singer’s moved on and is flourishing as opposed to being hung up over them. A smooth solo in the bridge gives the jovial tune some class and precedence. “Who Are You?” also poses questions to the listener, almost a continuance of “Thriving.” The thumping of the toms in the verses make for great alternative listening.

“Night Terrors” follows and lyrically resonates with me as a sufferer of insomnia. Painting a picture of the ill effects of not experiencing sleep as planned can provide a sense of empathy for those who haven’t undergone this, presented in a fashion that is cathartic. A bit of a segue, “Priority Mail” is a 53-second piano ballad that exists to tide the listener over until the following track, only needing to utilize three piano notes to get the mood set.

Plenty of guitar reverb fills the air to begin “Broken Body.” Oddly, the first verse lyrics are posed as someone confined to their home due to an illness. I think we all have the opportunity to know how that feels currently. Nevertheless, the greater scope of the lyrics is seeing if a damaged body damages the mind, a question worth posing. We then get another short piece, “Makeout (interlude).” This time at 72 seconds, it almost plays into the sardonic request shown in “Thriving,” showing conflict in the singer’s mindset.

A fast-pace accompanies “Flash Flood” with an upbeat presentation in another brief outing. The carefree nature is a nice departure from the serious tones that took hold of the front half of Do You Ever Wonder About Me? “Worth the Wait” benefits from some gentle guitar and synth to bring out the angst in Alex’s diatribe against doubters. I’m finding that the short tracks on this record are just as impactful as the longer ones with their messages getting across all the same.

“Staring into the Sun” gives the impression that the singer is sick of monotony and wants to break the cycle. More concise piano usage in the background makes for memorable tunage behind Alex’s expression of frustration. I’m a sucker for reprises, and “Night Terrors” gets one to close out Do You Wonder About Me? The highly-electronic nature is a great addition and adds closure to the album.

I am pleasantly surprised in my experience with Diet Cig’s Do You Wonder About Me? With ample continuity, the overarching dialogue is a treat and rewards listeners that can easily make it through this short-length LP. The massively-talented Noah Bowman handles the instrumental duties and lets vocalist Alex Luciano shine when she needs to. With plenty of mainstream appeal, I can wholeheartedly recommend Diet Cig to everyone and anyone!

A press copy of Do You Wonder About Me? was provided by GrandStand for this review.

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Do You Wonder About Me?

9.99

8.8

Score

8.8/10

Pros

• Lyrical genius
• Impressive work for just two musicians
• Great reprise

Cons

• Desperately short