In 2012, Spacebomb dropped a bottle in an ocean, a record by Matthew E. Whi… Read Full Bio ↴In 2012, Spacebomb dropped a bottle in an ocean, a record by Matthew E. White called Big Inner, the label’s inaugural work. It floated around the world and into thousands of new homes. For a small organization just starting out, it was more than just a success–it was a game changer. This fall, Spacebomb will again open its arms and gather around a man called Howard Ivans, embracing a process to produce a magic piece of round plastic. SB003, all hail the mighty 45. All hail Howard Ivans, of indie pop darlings The Rosebuds and soft rock bad boys Gayngs. Here he’s stepping out solo into the colored lights, bringing along two mesmerising, pulsing, gut-sticking tracks that tear away the walls between the future and the past, sadness and happiness, light and shadow. Howard Ivans reveals himself anew, bringing us inside his personal relationship to R&B with two brilliant flashes of chromatic-eyed soul.

Side A, “Red Face Boy,” is a blistering journey through the madness and insecurity of love, feet on the floor, glossy ‘n raw. Tight Virginia funk with obvious nods to the city formerly known as Minneapolis. Side B, “Pillows,” is a honeyed dream ballad, the trademark Spacebomb sound draped in silk: ravishing strings, stinging horns, and above all, an insistent and persuasive rhythm section. This is bedroom music and party music, music for the wedding and the honeymoon, for work or play or swimming through the city at night. This is the music of Spacebomb & Howard Ivans, the music of our minds.

The game may have changed, but the Spacebomb players are still the same: Pinson Chanselle and Cameron Ralston, drum and bass rhythm kings; string arrangements by Trey Pollard; and horn charts by Matthew E. White. Hear the attic studio move and shake like a well-oiled machine, making records the Spacebomb way. A perfect match for Ivans’ vision, for the man who made a song-by-song cover album of Sade’s Love Deluxe, channeling all his love for the history of satin-lined R&B into creating (and crooning) these two remarkably heartfelt songs.

The 21st century has a soul-shaped void in its heart and Howard Ivans is going to fill it until the grooves run out.

Where I Need
Howard Ivans Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm tired of fucking up,
this room is not enough,
going at it alone, because this soil ain't my home

I can still leave before my roots get too deep
let my brown leaves grow green, take me where I need

I don't feel so righteous

the vines I've found are tightening

I can still leave before my roots get too deep,

Take me where I need
Take me where I need

Overall Meaning

In the first verse, the artist expresses a sense of weariness and frustration with constantly making mistakes. The room symbolizes a restrictive and confining space where the artist feels limited and unable to fully express themselves. They also feel isolated and unsupported, as they mention going at it alone. The line "because this soil ain't my home" suggests a feeling of displacement and not belonging in their current environment.

In the chorus, the artist reflects on the possibility of leaving before they become too attached or rooted in their current situation. By letting their "brown leaves grow green," they are expressing a longing for growth and rejuvenation. They yearn to be taken to a place where they truly belong, where they can find the fulfillment and purpose they seek.

In the second verse, the artist acknowledges a sense of moral ambiguity. They don't feel righteous or virtuous, possibly due to the negative experiences and mistakes they have made. The mention of vines tightening could symbolize the entanglement and entrapment of negative influences or relationships. This line further emphasizes the need for a change in environment.

Again in the chorus, the artist reiterates the desire to leave before they become rooted too deeply. They yearn to be taken to the place where they truly need to be, suggesting a longing for a fresh start or a new beginning that will bring them closer to their goals, dreams, and inner fulfillment.

Overall, these lyrics convey a deep longing for change and growth. The artist is tired of repeating past mistakes and seeks a fresh start where they can truly belong and find their purpose. They desire to uproot themselves from their current situation before it becomes too suffocating and restrictive. The lyrics evoke a sense of restlessness and yearning for a place where they can find peace, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm tired of fucking up,
I'm exhausted from consistently making mistakes and failing.

this room is not enough,
The current circumstances or situation I am in is not sufficient to meet my needs.

going at it alone, because this soil ain't my home
I am facing challenges and trying to navigate life by myself because I don't feel a sense of belonging or comfort in this environment.

I can still leave before my roots get too deep
I still have the opportunity to depart from this place or situation before becoming too emotionally attached or entrenched.

let my brown leaves grow green, take me where I need
Allow me to transform and thrive, taking me to a place where I truly belong and where I can fulfill my needs.

I don't feel so righteous
I don't feel morally superior or virtuous.

the vines I've found are tightening
The connections or relationships I have formed are becoming constricting and suffocating.

Take me where I need
Guide me towards the destination or path that will fulfill my true desires and aspirations.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: ALEX EVERT, ALEX TIRHEIMER, IVAN HOWARD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS