RYAN CASSATA’S NEW SINGLE, “A KNACK FOR OVERTHINKING,” IS AS RELATABLE AS IT IS IMPORTANT

2000s skate-punk culture is making quite the resurgance (thank goodness). A resesscion indicator, sure, but a damn fun one. It’s about time queer punks are making skate music again, and Ryan Cassata successfully takes the lead. Their newest single, “A Knack for Overthinking,” not only stays true to their roots but also tackles mental health topics, both of which are essential for modern living.

A slow build, the track eventually crescendoes after a brief introduction. The start is vastly different from the rest of the song, but that contrast lands nicely, especially as it emphasizes the feelings of anxiety as they build within. Cassata seemingly did this intentionally, as it feels too perfectly fitting to be merely coincidental.

Moreover, Cassata’s artistry extends well past music production and studio recordings, as the song’s music video is a focal point of the project. It features a newly formed trans and non-binary couple sharing their first kiss at a skate park. That kind of visibility, during Pride month and this enraging political period, deserves applause. Though that’s not what Cassata is seeking, applause is still earned.

It’s crucial to continue supporting queer and trans art well beyond the end of June. Once corporations remove the Pride flags from their profile photos and merchandise, artists like Cassata will continue to create songs like “A Knack for Overthinking.” The song’s importance lies not only in its messaging, but it’s also quite catchy.