New Jersey based, Damien Musto, opens up with a brighter sound on his latest single, “Goodbye” after a string of various singles, each reflecting a different style or genre. This is nothing new, but Musto aims to for the heart and soul with variety for the listener, an art form of rare status in the modern music world where authenticity continues to fight more and more with utility. Taking the risk is also where Musto comes up full handed, as “Goodbye” sets the tone up a notch with the tempo soaring in complete contrast to other releases, and it makes the difference known from the start.
“Goodbye” kicks off in high gear and stays that way, with Musto taking a leap into more high energy territory, which is the first thing you notice if you’re following his music and saving it to your collection. If not, you won’t notice such things, but this will also likely keep unfolding with his musical journey. Take note of the lyrics starting straight off with the one-word title as the chorus, it’s something that never fails, as it comes crashing out of silence. The result is a pulsating intro with a hard driving sound before the vocals come on not unlike that of Depeche Mode and other bands made up of what’s good about the 90’s club music crossing over to alternative rock.
The second thing you notice if you follow Musto’s work, is the unbridled energy level in contrast to previously released singles. Musto plays outside the box every time out. The New Jersey music scene is vibrant with a lot of talent, but Musto is also road tested with a following, unlike many others on the scene without such opportunities which give Musto an all-around experienced approach to life and it conveys to the music on “Goodbye” and in general.
The song comes on strong with a driving guitar rhythm and rocking drums, with Musto’s vocals taking a front seat with massive exuberance on this power-pop rocker with a killer chorus keeping you hooked through Musto’s enthusiastic words about saying goodbye and what it means on the positive side to part ways with someone. The truth comes out when you look on the bright side and all you want to do is say the word with grace, rather than sorrow, “Goodbye” opens the door to new possibilities and a brighter future, as well as any sorrow it brings. It’s the attitude that matters from Musto’s perspective, and it serves as a song of hope instead of the usual takeaways.
The 90s sound might be what Musto aims at on “Goodbye” but the artist isn’t limited to what’s to be heard on it, the shift in energy is where Musto continues to impress as his songwriting progresses, having collaborated with Kristi Chmura and resulting in completely different styles. “Goodbye” still travels through time like a bullet breaking through all the dust of the modern landscape. It comes and goes, loaded with all that energy and overall impact to be found in under three minutes.
Chadwick Easton