Breakups—of any kind—are rarely easy or straightforward. The beats leading up to the realization that the relationship won't work are complicated, and more often than not emotional. Chase Petra, however, lays out the latter half of that process with the utmost finesse on their latest single ‘Soapy Water,’ a jaded message to a former partner, and/or former life, about moving on.
This is the Long Beach-based band’s third release this year, preceded by the single ‘Reliable Narrator’ in February and a cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘Anti-Hero’ in March. While a departure from the literary motif they’ve built in their titles, ‘Soapy Water’ still showcases Chase Petra’s mastery of indie and punk sensibilities, and Hunter Allen’s down-to-earth vocal style. The track utilizes light percussive elements and acoustics in the verses and first pre-chorus, only to increase momentum by the chorus. The line "Soapy water no sign of you” signals the shift into the chorus, propelled by buzzing guitars and a full drum beat. Between the song’s established structure, and its reprises, ‘Soapy Water’ is rich and complex in its less than four-minute run, perfectly matching the complexity of the breakup process itself.
‘Soapy Water’ is not a typical song about moving on, as it takes place after the speaker has cut ties. The result is a largely numb tone, portrayed through a subdued and melancholy vocal performance from Allen. The lyrics are still tactile and intricate, able to capture even the most minute of details related to self-growth after a major change. They casually recount the “shower beers and a couple nightmares” that came after this breakup, not dramatizing the situation. ‘Soapy Water’ is sardonic and bitter, though, with the chorus line “Party’s over / boo-fucking-hoo,” and the opening verse containing the line “Not the first time I’d heard someone / thank me for a lesson I’d not agreed to give them” grabbing ears. It is evident that they’ve gone through these motions before, and now know what to expect from an emotional standpoint. Thus, it’s made letting go easier. They also acknowledge the importance of one’s support group, as their friends and family made them realize they’re “not better off alone” in times like these, and that “it’s time to go.”
This new period in their life may be “soapy water,” or a period of uncertainty with “no sign” of this past person having a role in it, but at least they are entering it with a clean state of mind. This is another excellent track from Chase Petra, perfectly coinciding with their previous releases. Be sure to stream ‘Soapy Water,’ and catch Chase Petra live on tour with Pool Kids starting July 2nd.
