Playing with Bloody Mary

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief
June 11, 2012

Alternative indie band Silversun Pickups has received much praise for their most recent single, “Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)”, which is off of their 2012 album Neck of the Woods. The track has a slightly different sound from the Pickups’ past singles like “Lazy Eye” and “Panic Switch”. While their past songs have a more indie and obscure feel to them, “Bloody Mary” displays the confidence and growth that the band has developed. The song and album have both reached the top of U.S. Billboard 100 and is also prominent in Canada and Australia, showing the bands increase in popularity and fame. Although some could say that the band is slipping away from their indie roots, “Bloody Mary” still holds some of the Pickups’ unique aspects. For one, the track has very catchy and distinct rhythms like the bands’ other works. The lyrics and meaning behind the song are also ambiguous like past singles. One might think that the song is about a baby being born as lead singer Brian Aubert sings “You barely cried/ But you made it out alive/ And I’m so proud/ That you’re in my hands now.” In other parts of the song however, listeners may think that the lyrics have a different kind of intimacy than that of a parent-offspring relationship. Aubert suggests, “If we can stay here long enough/ We can play with Bloody Mary.” Though the message is up for interpretation, the musicians execute the sound smoothly with the different layers of synthetics, beats, and strings. Despite the change in sound, the recent track is a refreshing reminder of the band’s unarguable individuality. To call these artists just another alternative band would be a short-sighted review of the band’s true musical capability.

Click here to watch the video for “Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)”

About the Contributor

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief

Hanna Suarez, Editor-in-Chief of The Downey Legend, stepped into the world of journalism as a junior, as she carried on the challenge of the Arts and Entertainment Editor as her first position. The young writer was hesitant when first applying to join the staff, and doubts of acceptance crossed her mind. “I was kind of scared to join,” Suarez said “I didn’t think I would be much good.” Nonetheless, the hopeful student took the risk and was happy when she received the news of being selected as A&E Editor. She quickly adapted to the hectic environment and filled the newspaper room with her humor, as well as adding a sense of warmth and kindness. After successfully filling her section editor position, Suarez did not fret when the opportunity of E.I.C. was presented to her. She quickly grabbed the new title, and felt confident taking on the new role that was attached to more responsibilities. “I felt capable of handling the job well,” Suarez said. The leader was comfortable being promoted to a more prestigious position, and held her ground.

While college years are ahead of her, the student is savoring the moments she has left in high school, taking in her senior year and trying to make the most of it. The Downey Legend editor is an active member in the school marching band, playing the clarinet and euphonium. The senior also enjoys spending time reading while having 3^rd Street Coffee in hand, and listening to indie bands and artists such as The xx and Lana del Ray.

Once she graduates, the ambitious writer hopes to build a successful career as E.I.C. of her own magazine, making newspaper a foundation for her future endeavors. She anticipates stepping foot into the real world, attending the USC Annenberg School of Communications or FIDM. The young and talented individual has prospered as a writer and leader; providing the staff with a model of success, she leaves big shoes to fill.