It is an abrupt generalization to say that rock music is mostly about the youth’s expression of anger and exploding energy, composed of somewhat coarse sounds, which are the characteristics of its popular subgenres such as heavy-metal or punk rock. Rather, rock music can still be easily approachable with pop-like sounds and familiar lyrics. Amber Run, a British rock band that started their journey in 2012, presents amiable music that can win the heart of many listeners with its new album, 5AM.

Many hardcore rock music fans put a great emphasis on rock music’s musicianship, ideology of authenticity, and lyrics that encompass social and political issues. Having deeprooted beliefs about the genuine rock music can lead people to criticize music styles that have emerged from different subgenres, which has a more pop-based sound and lyrics that cite their love experiences. However, there is nothing wrong with rock becoming fused with other sounds, as long as they sound good.

This is the case of Amber Run, an alternative rock band that started their music career in 2012. Their music might lack some elements of mainstream rock music but their genre as alternative rock still qualifies them as rock musicians. Amber run’s lyrics and sounds are comparatively flat and easy to follow. Their debut album, 5AM, is packed with overwhelming ballads and anthem lyrics that put listeners in awe.

▲ British alternative rock band Amber Run. Provided by musicradar.com.

Describing this album in one word is difficult, but a coexistence of dark and bright would be the best way of referring to the overall mood of this album. Some of its tracks such as “I Found,” “Noah,” and “5AM” slowly but progressively exert emotion through intimate vocals of Joe Keogh, and the harmonious chorus that gently go along with them. The energy here is slightly dark, sometimes gloomy, mostly because the sound is played on piano and there is only subtle drum beats. “I Found,” which is the first track in the album and also one of the most famous songs of Amber Run, clearly demonstrates this calm and understated feeling, as the vocal and the chorus repeatedly sings, “I found love where it wasn’t supposed to be.”

Although it could be a matter of preference, the light side of 5AM is much more outstanding than the tracks with dark moods. It better reflects the positive energy that Amber Run possesses, as the vibrant sense of youth is directly conveyed. The third track “Spark” is a good example and the title itself hints a lively atmosphere. The song starts with a classical piano melody, but soon regains vibrancy with its electrifying sounds.

Another song “Good Morning” also shows the album’s bright side, and the lyric even cites “You can feel like a light in the dark.” The album ends with the slow chill of “See You Soon,” whose beautiful sounds of bass and vocals put listeners at the moment of magnificence – a perfect decision to place this song as at last.

So, people might ask again, what happened to all the bands that shouted out their dissatisfaction with society, and their will to change the world? Well, rock music does not always have to be like that. Simplicity and normality still have their beauty. Indeed, Amber Run’s 5AM does give us a bigger experience of hearing good, if not grandiose, music