AOTW: Roe Kapara – Big Cigars and Satin Shorts

December 12th, 2024 by Liz Kosik

by Isabelle Braudakis ’25

Album of The Week: Roe Kapara – Big Cigars and Satin Shorts

Released: August 23, 2024

Rate: 9/10

RIYL: Cage the Elephant, GroupLove, Weezer

Roe Kapara is a young singer based in Los Angeles. He moved from Nashville to California just before the pandemic and has been releasing music ever since. His music blends a modern swirl of indie rock, pop punk, and alternative and this is perfectly displayed on his latest album, “Big Cigars and Satin Shorts.” His vocals and feel of his music create a fun and exciting mood, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you prepare for the next song to play.

From this album, my personal favorites are “Dumb” and “Glorious Day.” “Dumb” begins with a simple guitar line followed by his vocals. The song explored themes of self-criticism, vulnerability, and the emotional weight of societal expectations. Through raw and expressive lyrics, Kapara conveys feelings of frustration. When reaching the chorus, he also uses vivid, almost self-deprecating images like “Could you put your hands on my brain and squeeze it till I’m dumb?” When singing this line, the guitar and drums perfectly parallel the intensity of his frustrations and release of pent-up anxiety.

“Glorious Day” is another fun song that explores themes such as impulsiveness and a never-ending search for chaos. This song perfectly reflects his blend of alternative and indie and pop punk. The repeated line, “What a glorious day” in the chorus is sung with a mix of sarcasm and a sense of triumph, this ironic tone pairs perfectly with the drums gritty sound and themes of chaos and rebellion.

Overall, this is a fun and diverse album that explores themes that many could relate to while still providing an immersive listening experience. Each track balances raw emotion with explosive melodies. The album not only invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences but also to lose themselves in Kapara’s unique blend of storytelling and sound nostalgia, making it a memorable addition to any indie-rock lover’s playlist.