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.
Nothing Short of a Comfortable Situation
Roadside Monument Lyrics
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the day dollar spokes
talk for one last try
stop me off in morgantown
so someone killed the pitiful night
rule of thumb unaware
it's the way the air works
The lyrics to Roadside Monument's "Nothing Short of a Comfortable Situation" are cryptic and poetic, which can make it difficult to discern their true meaning. The song is full of disjointed phrases and images that create a sense of confusion and mystery. The opening lines of "mystery from the floating red" could refer to a number of things, but the "floating red" could symbolize something ominous or dangerous, while the "mystery" implies that there is something unknown or unresolved.
The second line, "the day dollar spokes," is similarly mysterious, but could be interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of wealth and material possessions. The next phrase, "talk for one last try," seems to suggest a desperate attempt at communication before it's too late. The reference to "morgantown" implies a specific location, possibly one with emotional significance.
The line "so someone killed the pitiful night" creates a jarring image, one of violence or destruction. The following phrase, "rule of thumb unaware," suggests a lack of understanding or knowledge. The final line, "it's the way the air works," could be taken as a statement about the inevitability of life's ups and downs, the way that circumstances and events can seem to happen without reason or explanation.
Line by Line Meaning
mystery from the floating red
The unknown origins of the floating red object cause a sense of intrigue and curiosity.
the day dollar spokes
Cheap, low-quality bicycle tires that are unreliable during normal daytime use.
talk for one last try
Attempting to communicate one final time in hopes of resolving a situation or mending a relationship.
stop me off in morgantown
Requesting to be taken to Morgantown as a destination or stopping point.
so someone killed the pitiful night
The night was unenjoyable or miserable, but now it has ended due to someone's actions.
rule of thumb unaware
Lacking knowledge of common or basic principles that are usually followed.
it's the way the air works
The natural processes and patterns of the atmosphere are responsible for certain phenomena or events.
Contributed by Makayla K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.