SAY ANYTHING’S “I, VIBRATOR” IS AN ON-BRAND INTRODUCTION TO THEIR FORTHCOMING ALBUM, “...IS COMMITTED”

Photo: Ben Trivett

Say Anything is back, with their famously relentless dedication to being their truest selves at the forefront of their new music. That’s where the band’s charm has always lived; Max Bemis, a poet at heart, has a real knack for balancing humor and profound lyrical themes. “I, VIBRATOR” is no exception to this rule. The surface-level conversation between Bemis and his wife Sherri Dupree-Bemis could be misinterpreted for its comical value, but it would be a shame to avoid analyzing it further. 

This band finds themselves in a unique position and is maneuvering through it graciously. Bemis isn’t recreating his most famous work to take the easy way out; though his vocal range holds up just as well as it did 20 years ago. Instead, he is taking the provocative writing style he has always used to tackle more mature ideology. After all, this is a married man with a family. His ideals have surely changed around a bit, and it would be a disservice not to share his wisdom with the rest of us.

I have been pleasantly surprised with each teasing single for “...Is Committed,” but this one takes the lead. Sonically, Max and Sherri are a match made in heaven. They are frequent collaborators, but they genuinely sound phenomenal together. Some natural chemistries cannot be forged, and they show themselves the best within music.

It would be fascinating to see “I, VIBRATOR” as someone’s introduction to Say Anything. This is a wonderful time to delve into the band’s work. They are energized, and excited to be in this for the long haul again. However, the song is a lot (pleasantly) sappier than the lyrics may give it credit for. Bemis’ goal is to uplift his wife, giving her a new perspective of herself. His softer side shows occasionally, but this method is among my favorite. It’s silly, but incredibly touching, and a phenomenal effort on Say Anything’s behalf.

Find this track and others on Get Some Magazine’s constantly updated March 2023 playlist on Spotify! Click HERE for the goods!