The band became regulars in the L.A. indie music scene. After a successful bout of touring the west coast they began work on their first album “11”. It was released to fantastic reviews including a feature in the L.A. Times, celebrating the album’s energy and eclecticism. The album also spawned three music videos, including the visceral “Famous For Dying”. They continued to support the album, traveling to SXSW and eventually touring with Neon Trees and AWOL Nation.
Back in L.A. the band started writing new material and continued playing up and down California, including Sunset Strip Music Festival where they were voted one of the “Top 5 bands at SSMF”. All focus went on finishing the EP "Lights". The single “Shut ’’Em Down” spent several months playing on KROQ Locals Only. The band continued touring regionally and played two sold out shows with Bloc Party prior to their appearance at FYF Fest.
With a new perspective, the band opted to scrap all their earlier demos and wrote a new EP from scratch, teaming up once again with producer Jason LaRocca. The EP "Everything Changes” (with the boisterous “Let’s Go Out Tonight” and emotional “Say Goodbye”) brought in a more diverse audience for the band. With the decision not to tour the EP, the band began work on a new full-length.
Mindless
The Active Set Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
though misguided I move on and repetitiously repeat myself
passing time and looking in I wring my hands together figurative
so inclined, I ponder on thinking "Did I just repeat myself?"
every piece of everything I think is mine is falling away from me
and though it kills me to do so I'll let you know...
that I don't want it, and I don't need it
and heaven knows I've tried my hardest to leave it
give me something to occupy my mind
this time and I won't have to lose it
how to control human nature it is not an easy thing
I resolve to find out what I can and will do to keep me mindless
Any place I lay my head
Staring off to seem disinterested
Everyone still calls my name
Make conversation and repeat myself
In the first verse, the singer describes their fast-paced lifestyle, constantly moving and interacting with people. However, they feel that they are not engaged in deep and meaningful thoughts, instead just going through the motions and repeating their actions. They acknowledge that they are not making much progress or growth, but continue to repeat the same patterns.
In the second verse, the singer reflects on their own introspection. They describe wringing their hands together figuratively, symbolizing their inner turmoil and confusion. They question themselves if they are just stuck in a repetitive cycle of thoughts and actions. They acknowledge that they may be losing a sense of individuality and personal ownership of their thoughts.
The chorus reveals the singer's inner desire to break free from this repetitive and mindless state. They express that they don't want or need this way of life anymore. They have tried their hardest to leave it behind but now seek something that can occupy their mind in a meaningful way, something that they won't have to lose.
The final verse acknowledges the challenge of controlling human nature. The singer resolves to figure out what they can do to keep themselves in a mindless state, which could be interpreted as a desire to escape from the burden of overthinking. They mention how they appear disinterested, possibly as a defense mechanism or a way to protect themselves from too much emotional engagement. Even though others still want to engage with them, the singer feels like any conversation they have is repetitive and lacks depth.
Overall, the song "Mindless" explores a sense of frustration and restlessness with a repetitive and unfulfilling lifestyle. The singer desires to break free from this mindlessness and find something that can occupy their mind in a more meaningful way. They express a longing for change and a deeper connection with themselves and others.
Line by Line Meaning
dashing up and down the street dodging thought process with people I meet
I'm moving quickly and avoiding deep thinking by engaging with various individuals I encounter.
though misguided I move on and repetitiously repeat myself
Even though I may be mistaken or lost, I keep progressing forward by continuously saying the same things.
passing time and looking in I wring my hands together figurative
As time goes by, I become anxious and restless, metaphorically twisting my hands together.
so inclined, I ponder on thinking 'Did I just repeat myself?'
With a natural inclination, I reflect and wonder, 'Have I just said the same thing again?'
every piece of everything I think is mine is falling away from me
All the beliefs and possessions I consider to be mine are slipping away, causing distress.
and though it kills me to do so I'll let you know...
Although it pains me, I will reveal to you that...
that I don't want it, and I don't need it
I have no desire for it, and it is not essential to me.
and heaven knows I've tried my hardest to leave it
I have exerted significant effort, known to the heavens, in attempting to distance myself from it.
give me something to occupy my mind
Provide me with something that can keep my thoughts occupied.
this time and I won't have to lose it
If given this opportunity, I won't have to become overwhelmed or go astray from my path.
how to control human nature it is not an easy thing
Finding ways to manage the impulses and tendencies of human nature is a challenging task.
I resolve to find out what I can and will do to keep me mindless
I am determined to discover strategies and actions that will help me maintain a state of mindlessness.
Any place I lay my head
Wherever I rest or find temporary refuge
Staring off to seem disinterested
Gazing into the distance to appear uninterested or detached
Everyone still calls my name
Despite my aloofness, people continue to call out to me.
Make conversation and repeat myself
Engaging in discussions while unintentionally saying the same things again and again.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MATTHEW STOLARZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind