Cutting through smoke with claustrophobic imagery and bittersweet introspection, German/Syrian DIY musician Jassin Gharib strikes hot with an updated version of their new song “Gasoline”. The track is a fruitful mashup of modern and classic sounding pop punk, with emo rap tinges rounding out the edges. The new version clears room for an appearance from Cheem’s Sam Nazz, adding a new voice to a relentlessly melodic banger.
In line with the best of current poppunk, “Gasoline” feels both timeless and new. The instrumental, particularly the riffing, would find easy home on an old New Found Glory record with its focus on simple but sticky melody and bright intonation. In contrast, Gharib’s voice is darker and rougher, pushing into rasp at pivotal moments to amplify the track’s emotional weight. Their grasp of melody is modern, turning nearly each phrase into a memorable hook. As they sing “the burning in my lungs, I feel it… searing/right through my breast plate, I’m in a bad place” their cadence sounds more Peep than Paramore. As the track crescendos to chorus, the vocal melody mimics the intro guitar riff and the urge to sing along is unavoidable.
Into the updated second verse, Nazz sits higher in the instrumental and provides a new tuneful vantage point. This new addition works well to diversify the sound of the song as well as creating a more welcome anticipation for the chorus that follows. Next is a moment of cooling as Gharib recites a short, spoken word bridge detailing the dissonant process of growing apart from someone that you don’t relate to anymore. The sentiment is relatable and not overblown as the push and pull is evident not only in subject matter but in tone.
On their new track “Gasoline”, Jassin Gharib succeeds in pulling forward from prior pop punk success. The song sounds bright but is weighty, the instrumentals drive forward but the vocals bounce in time. Most importantly, the track is constantly catchy. As they continue to work towards new releases, “Gasoline” will be there to reliably light up a room.
