Have you ever felt like an outsider? We The Kings’ latest single, “Alien,” delves into these complex emotions and more, comparing one’s journey of self-discovery to our extraterrestrial friends (Tom was right!). And with all of the recent news about alien sightings and UFOs, the pop-punk track is a relatable portrayal of growing up without fitting into the conventional mold. The song marks We The Kings’ first release via Graveboy Records, a new record label created by Emo Nite founders T.J. Petracca and Morgan Freed.
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Opening with the ringing of a school bell, the mid-tempo track brings vocalist Travis Clark’s lyrics to the forefront. There’s nostalgia in each riff and vocal melody, taking the listener on a journey back to their most vulnerable moments. However, the sweet arrangement pairs perfectly with Clark’s lyrics, creating a hopeful tone that encourages them to stay true to who they are and want to be.
In a statement, Clark delves deeper into the meaning of the song. He also shares his hunch that it will become a staple in the band’s catalog. “We’re all just a bunch of kids who feel like aliens searching for the answer to the question – ‘Does anybody else feel like I do?’” he says. “Every few albums, I get a strong feeling about a song. It’s hard to explain, but the last two times I felt this way were with ‘Check Yes Juliet’ and ‘Sad Song.’ I have that same feeling about ‘Alien,’ so only time will tell what that means!”
Although the song has more of a serious message, We The Kings has been having fun promoting the song. In an Instagram Reel posted one week ago, Clark is caught in an inflatable alien costume. The optical illusion makes it look like the outer space outsider is taking the songwriter, and it seems pretty convincing. Points to Travis for the compelling acting.
