Brooklyn’s alt-rock/shoegaze outfit Book/Spirit introduces their latest single, “Meant to Be,” a track lifted from their forthcoming debut Long Player, slated to be released in early 2024.
Talking about “Meant to Be,” vocalist/guitarist Michael Susa says, “Directionally, it’s about fighting for someone who isn’t right for you, and everyone around you sees it. And yet continuing to rationalize it to yourself because of a desperate lust/attraction, even as they grow more distant, and you aren’t even sure you know anything about who this person is anymore.”
The song was originally conceived as a Joy Division-esque riff by Susa but grew into something much more expansive as the group’s other members, Pete Ferrari (vocals, guitar), Garrett Troy (drums), Dave Jacobson (bass), and Pierre Ratzki (guitar), put their fingerprints on it.
Endeavoring to reflect their highly collaborative songwriting approach, the upcoming album showcases each member’s different influences and backgrounds. Susa and Ferrari’s shared lead vocals provide sonic balance and demonstrate their contrasting lyrical styles. Lyrically, the content of the album is introspective, dealing with topics such as burnout, relationships, and self-realization.
Remarkably, the band booked their first show before having a name, set lineup, or any songs. After the show, performed as deBlasbros, the band renamed themselves Book/Spirit, mirroring the diverse creative influences within the band.
“Meant to Be” opens on a low-slung gleaming guitar and then mousses up to a powerful rhythm made up of tight drums and a thick, throbbing bassline. Evocative vocals and almost gang-like harmonies imbue the lyrics with yearning tones.
The harmonics shift to soft drifting, dreamy tones, giving the song a mystical interlude, followed by a vehement drum roll that leads to a galloping, blistering outro.
Book/Spirit has it going on! “Meant to Be” offers an oil-and-water structure, heavy and yielding, yet with a sense of increasing unease.
Upcoming Shows:
Arlene’s Grocery on 11/9 and
Nublu on 11/17
Follow Book/Spirit Website | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify
Let us know your thoughts on Book/Spirit over on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) @CelebMix.