Figuring out your place in this crazy world is a scary time filled with ups and downs. With it often comes heartbreak, self-doubt, loss of connection and you may feel like things may never work out. On Built To Last, Arrows In Action explores this anxious time in our lives.

This pop-rock trio have gained a strong fan base over the last few years through TikTok and the success of their song “Uncomfortably Numb” off their 2021 EP Be More. Built to Last showcases the range of sound the group is able to create and execute from slower more acoustic moments like “Checking In” to heavier tracks like “Seeing Red,” and songs like “Over It” that bring a more groovy feel. By the end, you are full of emotion, the main one being hope. 

This album discusses the struggles of mental health and life including relationships, career, family and friendships. Songs like “Put You Through Me” discuss pushing people away because you don’t want them to fall in love when you know you will only hurt them, whereas “Over It” is about feeling like life is beating you down again and again and just wanting it to turn around. 

Tracks like “Entropy” are about moving somewhere new and working towards what you want and second guessing yourself. You get to the place you want to be but you feel alone, burned bridges and everything just feels numb. However, not every song is completely negative. The song “Head In The Clouds” is about having a positive look on life and believing that everything will be okay. 

Built to Last comes full circle through the title track, connecting every song on the album and specifically tying back opening track “Made For This.” The very last verse of the song has lines that call back to each song on the album. You may not catch it on first listen, but once you notice it the appreciation and understanding of the song grows. “Built to Last” feels like a reflection of everything in life that has happened and ready to move forward and leave the past behind. The other tracks are the stories of the past, so referencing them is acknowledging the past and those lessons are a beautiful moment. Specifically, the last line, “What was I made for if I wasn’t made for…?” calls back to “Made For This” and cutting off of the title makes for a perfect transition back to the start of the album. 

“The Credits” is a strong track that showcases all three vocalists individually very well. Loveless brings anger to the second verse and a chorus and Magnolia Park brings emotion to the powerful bridge.The name holds true and it has a feeling like it should be in a movie. The lyrics discuss the end of a relationship and not wanting to come to terms with it ending and your partner moving on. The line “the credits are rolling and I’m still holding on”, compares the end of a movie to the end of the relationship. Also, the transition from the first chorus to the next verse has this sound that almost mimics like some sort of magic effect found in a movie. Like it is dissolving from one scene to the next. The rolling drum beat keeps it moving and when the bridge kicks in, it is full speed ahead. The drums and guitar get louder and more intense, and even when the vocals drop, the drums are still going and gearing up for one more big chorus to close out the track. 

“Wide Eyes” starts off with a groovy melody and quieter vocal, almost like lead singer Victor Viramontes-Pattison is talking to himself. But you can still hear just the right amount of sass and attitude thrown onto the vocals that will be the underlying theme throughout the song. However, by the time the chorus kicks in, nothing is quiet. And it only grows as the song goes. You can hear glass breaking effects, a running drum beat, synthesizers, all of it. Brian Butcher of The Home Team kills it, adding in his own sassy yet fun vocal. He not only shines his verse, but also by adding in some backing vocals on the chorus and bridge. The ending brings out fantastic high notes from the vocalists that seemingly transition into the guitar and drum melody and finish off with a simple “I hope you’re okay with that”. 

“Seeing Red” is a stand out track on this album. The energy on this track feels vengeful and feeling like someone has backstabbed you with lines like “so who the fuck are you to tell me my own truth”. And the instrumental definitely matches that energy. This song shows off the band’s heavier side with rougher vocals, roaring guitars and heavy in your face drums that make you want to headband. The delivery of the vocals in the chorus feels very reminiscent of pop punk songs with straightforward, short lines that make you want to scream and point your finger as you sing them. However, the verses still have style that feels like the other tracks. The lines are a bit longer and more storytelling-like. Then we add in some screaming and synthesizer infused breakdown moment, followed by a moment of calm with a running guitar riff that builds into the last chorus to end the track strong.

“Checking In” is another stand out moment. This track explores feeling like you have lost connection to the loved ones in your life. They have reached out to you, but you have not returned the effort. Part of that is because you have all grown up and moved on in life, but part of it is isolating yourself from everyone. While not completely acoustic, this track is a more toned down moment on the album. A simple guitar line and drum beat that will have your toe tapping. The band lets the emotion in Vic’s vocals and the lyrics tell the story. A story that many listeners will be able to relate to. 

Those listeners looking for a groovy bass line can find it on the track “High”. The bass on this track is heavy and fun and gives jazzy rock vibes. “High” overall is a more fun track, with a catchy chorus. While still hitting on the topic of being in a toxic relationship with lines like “She’s so sweet only when she needs somethin’ from me” and “what she don’t know is that it gets me high.” The bass line will have you dancing and singing along in no time. Mix that with the catchy chorus, a fun drum beat and dreamy vocals and we have a recipe for the song to get the crowd moving and grooving. 

Arrows In Action also collaborated with several artists on this project. The first being on the track “The Credits” which was released back in February. This track features the bands Magnolia Park and Loveless. On the track “Wide Eyes,” the band The Home Team joins the band. 

Overall, Built to Last is a fantastic debut album for Arrows In Action. This album feels like a complete story of struggle, self-reflection and perseverance. The order of songs is done in such a way that you hear every step of the story from sadness to anger and, by the end, hope. Finishing the album you feel like you have gone on a journey with the band and that everything will be okay. 

Built To Last was released on May 26 and can be streamed on all major streaming platforms. You can catch Arrows In Action on tour this summer and tickets can be found on their website.

Image Credit: Zach Pigg