Grayscale Returns, “Not Afraid to Die”

Grayscale, the American alternative rock band, is back with a new single titled “Not Afraid To Die.” The band formed in 2011, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and released their first EP in 2015. 

“Not Afraid To Die” is a medium-length track at about 3 and a half minutes. It starts out with a more isolated vocal from Collin Walsh, the band’s lead vocalist, discussing youth and innocence; which reflects the choice of highlighting his voice alone and without much instrumental behind it. It appears that he is reflecting on some sort of memory that haunts him and that he is now realizing several years later, impacted him more than he would ever know. 

He dives into heavier topics such as drug use and screaming that he still hears; and the line “We had no choice, we grew up fast” encompasses the song as a whole, and how sometimes we are faced with situations that from a young age cause us to mature at a faster rate. The chorus takes us into a tone shift, where there is a heavier instrumental, with strong drums and intense guitar. This could also reflect the feeling of growing up rapidly when it’s out of your control.

He goes on to describe things he isn’t afraid of, preceding the statement that although he harbors minor fears such as bugs, heights, and loneliness, he isn’t afraid of death. I find this revelation to be really emotional and though provoking, because of its complexity. 

As the song continues, we are cued in to more snippets of this person’s childhood, where they were not allowed to cry, and couldn’t take their time, all again alluding to the fact that they were matured at such a young age, which has carried them through this life at a different pace opposed to others, and although they are not the only one to experience that feeling, it can be one that is extremely isolating. 

Grayscale’s “Not Afraid To Die” is an outstanding and incredibly produced single, with strong instrumental and vocals harboring the track. It is streaming on all platforms now!