Ball of Wax 69 starts off with an erudite banger from the duo of Mandy and Jeremy, of Season of Strangers and Summer Sleeves respectively (wow, that’s a lot of S’s), who came together specifically to create a song together in response to the Ball of Wax 69 call. “Simple Matters” starts off with an irresistible guitar/keys melody over driving drums and acoustic guitar, and never lets up, stomping through two and a half minutes of bittersweet power pop that makes me think maybe I do like power pop after all.
In rich contrast to the upbeat music, the lyrics bring subtle elements of darkness and conflict, seeming to bring in references to the difficulties of communication, love, and friendship in the internet age. Jeremy’s baritone holler and Mandy’s soft alto pair beautifully, bringing out rich, evocative lines like “I’m building up a case in my head / That sounds like yelling / I’m shelling real daggers / I know you’re fixing up whatever you break / In defense of love.”
I’m so glad Mandy and Jeremy came together to make this tune. I don’t know if they have any plans for further collaboration, but I would be in full support of an EP or LP from these two.