Dive into an incredible sonic ride with Savannah Pope’s Pandemonium, a bold blend of emotion and fresh sounds that will fully immerse any listener. With Sean Beavan (the genius behind Nine Inch Nails’ sound) producing, this album isn’t just music, it’s a full-on sonic journey that will continue to resonate long after the album has finished playing. Savannah Pope is a true artist and this album is proof of her extreme talents.
“I wrote this album to shed myself of the stigmas I’d internalized around my own mental illness, and to try to do the same for others in the process. ‘Pandmeonium’ is a true concept album – a journey through the peaks and valleys of my brain. It’s the most personal work I’ve ever created.
– Savannah Pope
After losing a very close friend to suicide, Savannah poured her despair and grief into her album, Pandemonium, turning it into a raw and powerful release. The album dives deep into the tough realities of mental illness, fearlessly exploring everything from suicidal thoughts to the strong hold of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. But through all the darkness and pain, there’s a strong thread of resilience running through. Music fans that have experienced such profound darkness will find moments of relatability and empowerment. Others will find moments of understanding.
Pandemonium is Savannah’s bold statement of survival. It’s a loud, unapologetic pushback against silence and oversimplification. With this album, she doesn’t just face her own mental struggles head on, she invites listeners to do the same, creating a space for real, honest reflection, and a safe place to grow.
Rock the Pigeon is excited to introduce our listeners to her unique sound and powerful lyrics. The 11 song LP starts off with an introduction song. This was brave on Savannah Pope. She shared with us that she was told not to speak of many matters on this album. However, this is art, it’s expression, it’s a positive way to express grief and honor those who have passed. The title of the track is “De Eso No Se Habla” which translates from Spanish to English into “Of this we do not speak.” Dark pianos serve as the intro, giving the listeners a taste of what is to come.
The intro seamlessly blends into the title track, “Pandemonium” which is all about being stuck in one’s head. Immediately, we are blown away by Savannah Pope’s captivating voice. It’s operatic, it’s musical theatre, it’s extremely emotive, and impressive in range. Through her well-controlled vibrato and soaring high notes, we could feel all of her grief, for her lost friend, and for her own mental health struggles. The heartbreak weighs heavy throughout the track. The track really picks up around 2 minutes in. Distorted electric guitars and heavy drums fill in the track more, building it into something even more epic. It feels much like a rock opera. One fun fact about the track is that the backing vocals are in seven different languages, including Hebrew, Yiddish, and Greek to put generational trauma on display. This is an impressive performance and a great introduction song to Savannah Pope’s music.
The next song starts off much simpler, leaning more pop than it does rock opera. “Just Another Day” is a vocal and bass driven song. Pianos dance around the open spaces, giving the song another flare. Vocally, this song is melodically captivating. The lyrics get dark but the music feels cheerful and easy-going. It’s memorable and a smooth listen. It’s also a great follow-up song to “Pandemonium”, which is more busy.
More powerful drums and angsty vocals come in for the next song, “Freeway – Sean Beavan Remix.” Savannah Pope shows another side to her vocal abilities – a rock n’ roll style. She handles this vocal style fearlessly and totally naturally, proving her extreme vocal talents. Lyrically, this song explores themes of struggling with an anxiety disorder and overthinking, while wanting to be authentically yourself. This is a very relatable topic for many, and we are sure that many people suffering with anxiety will find some empowerment through this track. Currently, this is one of the most streamed songs on the album on Spotify.
Pianos come back for “Sick.” The feel of the music turns back to a rock opera. We hear fast placed pianos, building orchestral drums, and a lead guitar that riffs in a minor key. Lyrically, this song is about feeling ashamed of living with mental illness but eventually finding empowerment. It is amazing how Savannah Pope has turned her experience of pain into empowerment, so powerful that it can uplift all who listen. Her raw and honest lyrics help to destigmatize mental health struggle. This song has many musical shifts throughout it. It’s brilliant written and every single transition is smooth, surprising the listener with its amazing production over and over again.
“Melancholic Goddess” is an excellent song for the times, especially while we are leading up to an election, where women’s rights are on the line. Savannah Pope sings bravely throughout the track, touching on political themes and also themes of oppression and violence against women. There is a strong sense of strength and empowerment in Savannah Pope’s vocal tone. She is untouchable, powerful, and ready to make a change with her music. The recording process is quite interesting, and Savannah Pope took some time to explain it in detail:
“‘Melancholic Goddess’ is about so many things, and is perhaps my favorite song on the record. We recorded it using organic sounds – me banging and stomping on things, making feral sounds with my voice as percussion. It’s explores the seemingly inextricable relationship between the feminine experience and being told every day that you’re crazy for your reactions to that oppression.” – Savannah Pope
We go back towards a rock n’ roll flare with “Orchid.” The vocal melody is immediately captivating. Lyrically, we enter a day in Pope’s life. She explains being stuck in a psychiatrist’s office, feeling extremely suicidal, and feeling like the medications and therapies were not improving her health. In the office, she noticed a flower, that had no access to the sun or outside breeze. Somehow, that flower was still alive and thriving. This sparked Pope’s curiosity, giving her another reason to stay alive, just for the day. She keeps asking, “Do orchids grow in the dark?” This is a metaphor that means even when one is stuck in a dark and painful place, they can still grow and begin to eventually thrive.
“One Thing Leads to Another” is an instrumental interlude that gives the listener the feeling of spiral. The pianos are gorgeously chaotic. This interlude is a great transition piece between the retro feel of “Orchid” and the metal feel of “Big Black Hole.” Enter a wall of guitars, a bluesy and sexy vocal performance, and 80s glam rock vocal effects. This song is all about depression and gives a positive way to express the dark feelings and let them out. Once again, we hear the emotion and power in Savannah Pope’s vocal tone and performance. She is a true artist, transforming her pain into an epic power.
Riffing guitars give an introduction to “Slice of Life.” This song leans soulful and rock n’ roll. The vocals actually lean a bit Americana/Country. This song is a call for change. Pope wants out of the darkness and depression. She wants to experience the world without being consumed by difficult feelings. She knows she is worthy. Her vocal performance showcases her impressive range, soaring higher than the lead electric guitar riffs. Savannah Pope is a true rockstar.
“Live Your Strange” is an empowerment ballad, starting off smoothly with pianos. This song leans towards opera and musical theatre. This is an anthem for anyone that is currently struggling with their mental health. This is a reminder that they are strong, worthy, and more than capable. They are human. They are beautiful. The song is made complete with tasteful electric guitar solos. This is a perfect way to end the album. Listen to it on Spotify now:
Written by Ryan Cassata
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