States wrote and recorded the band’s first EP in his Philadelphia bedroom, fixated on the idea of what it means to craft a pop song. “I have an obsession with writing pop music and the idea that songs can transcend people.,” States says. “I saw that producer Jeremy Park started writing blog articles about how he recorded Youth Lagoon, so I wrote to him and sent him my songs asking for advice and knowledge. He wrote back and loved my stuff and helped me produce the first EP.”
The six-song self-titled EP was released in the summer of 2012 and quickly garnered attention online and in the press. With all the newfound awareness Andy promptly realized he needed a band to bring his songs to the stage. “Jon was always my sounding board. I’d show him songs in the making and get his advice. It only made sense that he’d become part of CRUISR,” Andy notes. With the addition of Kyle and Bruno the quartet set out performing whenever possible. And of course, they continued to write.
“The writing process definitely changed once we became a full band. I’ll work on my computer and bring the idea to Jon. By that time it’s structured and has a backbone, guitars are figured out etc. Jon elaborates on the idea with drums and it goes from there.” In late 2013 CRUISR released a new track online, “Kidnap Me,” which attracted even more positive attention than the EP. Representative of CRUISR as a cohesive unit, “Kidnap Me” was the first track written as a band and showcases what CRUISR does best; sunny, warm, indie-pop. “It’s funny because we’re from Philadelphia and we write songs that sound like summer, which is a fleeting season here. I guess it’s just because Philly is where we feel happiest, and when we’re happy we write happy music.”
Fast-forward to present day when CRUISR is gearing up to release their second EP, All Over, which features definitive recordings of "Kidnap Me" and "Don't Go Alone" as well as the brand new title track "All Over"; all of which were produced and mixed by Andrew Maury (RAC, Panama Wedding, Ra Ra Riot). All Over demonstrates how fantastically Andy’s mind is able to translate pop hooks. “How does pop music make everyone like it so much?” States laughs, “Little kids hear it on the radio and just go crazy, singing stupid songs. There’s something that’s so smart about it, and a lot of things that people don’t notice are the key ingredients to writing a pop song. I’m just really into trying to decipher what those things are and trying to make pop music in our own way.”
All Over will be released on September 23 via Vagrant Records.
CRUISR is Andy States (vocals / guitar), Jonathan Van Dine (drums), Kyle Cook (bass), Bruno Catrambone (guitar)
Take That
CRUISR Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Spit in your eye
I know they get stupid
They were throwing rocks in a fist fight
They never knew about that
Speed of sound
We're gonna break it, shake it
Take em' down with the boomin' sound
Honey we can make the rules
Maybe we could break em' too
Tell em' take that
When we take that crown, now now, oh
We get together they
Stay out of our way
Tell em' take that
When we take that crown, now now, oh
Meet me in the bathroom at the...
Holiday ball
Lift up a lighter
Set the sprinkler system off
They were evacuating
But we don't go
I got you a rain coat
Now we're dancing on our own
Honey we can make the rules
Maybe we could break em' too
Tell em' take that
When we take that crown, now now, oh
We get together they
Stay out of our way
Tell em' take that
When we take that crown, now now
Tell em' take that
Take that
Tell em' take that
When we take that crown, now now
Tell em' take that
Take that
Tell em' take that
When we take that crown, now now
So call the shots with me
You could make the first decree
I hope you do
'Cause you make me feel like I'm a winner
You have got a face card in your hands
I hope you do
Honey we can make the rules
Maybe we could break em' too
Tell em' take that
When we take that crown, now now, oh
Honey we can make the rules
Maybe we could break em' too
Tell em' take that
When we take that crown, now now, oh
We get together they
Stay out of our way
Tell em' take that
When we take that crown, now now
Tell em' take that
Take that
Tell em' take that
When we take that crown, now now
Tell em' take that
Take that
Tell em' take that
When we take that crown, now now
The first verse of CRUISR's "Take That" describes the struggles and fights that the singer has faced. "I know they get vicious, they spit in your eye / I know they get stupid, they were throwing rocks in a fist fight" paint a picture of a tough and dangerous environment. However, the singer knows they are capable of breaking free from this environment, overthrowing their enemies, and shining brighter than those who have previously brought them down. "We're gonna break it, shake it, take em' down with the boomin' sound" suggests that the singer is going to use their talents and resources to dominate and rise above their enemies.
The chorus drives this point home with the repeated phrase "Tell em' take that / when we take that crown." The singer is determined to take control and establish their power. The song potentially alludes to a romantic union when the singer asks their partner to meet them in the bathroom at the holiday ball, noting that they have a raincoat and will be dancing on their own. The second verse encourages the partner to play a role in this overthrow, to "call the shots" and "make the first decree."
Overall, "Take That" is an empowering and confident song about taking control of a situation and rising above adversity, with a potential romantic angle.
Line by Line Meaning
I know they get vicious they... Spit in your eye
People can be cruel and will go so far as to spit in your face if they disagree with you or feel threatened by you.
I know they get stupid They were throwing rocks in a fist fight
People can act irrationally and aggressively, resorting to violent behavior like throwing rocks during a physical altercation.
They never knew about that Speed of sound
Others may not understand the potential power and momentum that can be gained when we work together towards a common goal with dedication and commitment.
We're gonna break it, shake it Take em' down with the boomin' sound
Together we can make a statement and create change. Let's use our voices and power to dismantle the structures that hold us back.
Honey we can make the rules Maybe we could break em' too Tell em' take that When we take that crown, now now, oh
We have the power to create our own path and break free from oppressive societal norms. We will show them what we are capable of when we take control of our own destiny.
We get together they Stay out of our way Tell em' take that When we take that crown, now now, oh
When we come together, we are stronger than any opposition that tries to stop us. We will not back down and will claim our rightful place as leaders and innovators.
Meet me in the bathroom at the... Holiday ball Lift up a lighter Set the sprinkler system off They were evacuating But we don't go I got you a rain coat Now we're dancing on our own
Let's rebel against the expectations and restrictions placed on us by society. We will create our own fun and forge our own path, despite anyone who tries to stop us. We will support each other along the way.
So call the shots with me You could make the first decree I hope you do 'Cause you make me feel like I'm a winner You have got a face card in your hands I hope you do
Let's work together to make changes and call the shots. Your leadership inspires me and shows me that we can win. You have the power and influence to bring about positive change.
Tell em' take that Take that When we take that crown, now now
We will prove our worth and succeed, despite anyone who tries to stop us. They will have to acknowledge our power and ability to succeed.
Contributed by Aiden J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Brandon Cañete
literally EVERY song you guys put out is amazing. So talented and underrated!!!
AJ
ayyyye
Amand Edvard
And there's a million things they haven't done, but just you wait, just you wait. . .
Jamison
+Brandon Cañete just wait, they're going places.
FlawlessKevin
It's 4am and I'm listening to every song you have out. SO GLAD I FOUND Y'ALL
hồngg phúc
FlawlessKevin my idolll
Delaney Bryan
oh my gooooood I'm supposed to be studying for finals but this song is so damn good I just keep dancing
Ezekiel Rivera
Aren't we showing of? LOL I'm kidding niceeee thow
Delaney Bryan
of course! got an A on the final and in my class!
Ezekiel Rivera
did you pass your finals?