In their career from 1996 to 1998, they released three full-lengths and three EPs (two of which were splits, one with Puller and one with Frodus). All of their releases were on Tooth and Nail Records. In 2002 they reformed, but disbanded a year after. In 2022 they reformed.
More precisely, Roadside Monument played the Slint-inspired "Louisville sound" math-rock sub-genre, stylistically similar to Slint, Rodan, and June of 44.
A Girl Named Actually
Roadside Monument Lyrics
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Words were lost and you thought about it
Where are you going?
Let's wait and find out what's between you and me
In "A Girl Named Actually," Roadside Monument questions the nature of hate and its consequences. The lyrics urge the listener to reflect on hate as a destructive force that may obscure communication and understanding. The opening lines, "Hate, why don't you think about it?/Words were lost and you thought about it" suggest that hate blinds one from considering alternative perspectives and may result in lost opportunities for connection. The ambiguity of the "words" that were lost can be interpreted as both spoken and unspoken communication that was not effectively conveyed due to a hate-filled attitude. The song then takes a somber introspective turn with "Where are you going?/Let's wait and find out what's between you and me" as the singer questions the direction of the relationship and acknowledges that mutual effort is needed to overcome misunderstandings and hate.
The song's message is delivered with a subdued melody and emotive vocals, reflecting the reflective tone of the lyrics. The instrumentation features a stripped-down sonic landscape comprised of simple guitar picking paired with minimal drums and bass, allowing the lyrics to be the focal point of the song. The band's signature math rock elements are accentuated in the chorus as the guitar plays syncopated rhythms and the vocal melody alternates between dissonant harmonies.
Line by Line Meaning
Contributed by Isabella F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.