Pleaser Is Not Afraid of COIN Anymore

Words by Savannah Gallimore and Molly Greco 

Press Photos by Phoenix Johnson

PLEASER had the utmost privilege of spending the last month or so deep diving into one of our favorite bands' sixth studio album and it's been an indescribable mix of emotions - allowing ourselves to be as personal and vulnerable in our review as COIN is on this album. 

Chase Lawrence, Joe Memmel, and Ryan Winnen met in college and have spent their formative years growing, changing and making music together. COIN released their debut album in 2014, and now, 10 years later, we have I'm Not Afraid of Music Anymore, an album oozing with nostalgia, laced with subtle nods to past albums and projects, giving the long-time COIN listener a sense of being let into the inner circle. It’s a reminder of the journey we’ve been on together, as fans who have grown up right alongside their favorite band. 

Much like writers struggling to find the perfect phrasing, finding the right words to describe what this album means to us has been challenging. But what makes this album so impactful is its ability to articulate what’s often hard to express. It’s about embracing and simultaneously letting go of who we once were and stepping into the next chapter of our lives, it’s both relatable and comforting to experience the processing of grief that comes with getting older that is woven through this album. This couldn’t have come at a more fitting time for us. As both of us begin to navigate our senior year of college, with all its ‘firsts’ and ‘lasts’ yet to come, there is no other music we could imagine to be the perfect soundtrack to these moments. Each song seems to encapsulate the range of emotions we experience during this transitional period in our lives, learning to embrace the nostalgia of what was and the anticipation of what’s to come. 

Opening the album, “It’s Hard To Care About Everything” captures the frustration of feeling stuck in repetitive patterns and yearning for something more fulfilling. The contrast between the monotonous everyday life and the longing for simple, profound experiences highlights the tension between routine and the quest for genuine satisfaction. This is a strong introduction track to a record that explores an array of sentiments that most are reluctant to acknowledge and serves as a refreshing reminder that we are not alone in our internal struggles.

“Slack,” which Lawrence has mentioned is an ode to the band itself, is like a love letter told through music; Acknowledging the highs and lows that they’ve experienced together. This track represents the emotional depth and complexities of navigating a relationship, beautifully mirroring the experiences many of us face in our own lives. Highlighting the intricate dynamics and inherent contradictions of a platonic relationship–this track is very raw and honest. “Slack” could resonate deeply with anyone who has felt the strain of instability and disconnect while still grappling with feelings of guilt and misunderstanding. As long-time fans, this one hit us right in the heart. It’s a testament to why we keep coming back to their shows and to their music. It’s this collective connection and emotional depth that continually draws us in, uniting us through this shared journey.

The gentle guitar and soft vocals in “222” are a perfect pair to the nurturing content of the track. This song captures the essence of exploring young love and finding comfort in growth and change. As we navigate our way through this oftentimes difficult transitional period of our lives, this piece serves as a reassuring reminder that it is okay to take things slow; Learning to accept and be at ease with the journey. This song feels like a true testament to their growth as a band and people.

The song “Leaving a Light On” is ideal for concluding an album centered around growing and changing as it encapsulates the journey of holding space for the past while not letting it confine us. It’s a gentle yet firm nudge to keep moving forward. This is exactly what we’ve been feeling as we begin to wrap up this chapter of our lives and begin to look ahead to what’s next. As people who are deeply sentimental and nostalgic for every person and experience we’ve encountered, this song serves as a much-needed reminder that letting go of the past is a crucial step toward personal growth. Its message resonates with the experiences shared throughout the album, providing a fitting finale that accentuates the value of both embracing change and cherishing meaningful relationships. 

Experiencing this album for the first time together as a team and as COIN fans has been and will continue to be an incredibly special moment for us. Each of us has followed our own distinct paths through life, yet we've been brought together in this moment by our shared love for COIN and their music. This connection has been a source of immense gratitude and happiness. With this album, we've each found something uniquely meaningful, allowing us to embrace and appreciate our individual journeys. As we continue to grow, we’re learning to love and savor every facet of life and the experiences that come with it, strengthened by the music that unites us.

As we create new memories, celebrate milestones with those we love, and navigate new beginnings, we know this album will be the soundtrack to all of it. Welcome back, COIN. Your music has been a constant through our own growth, and this album marks a new beginning that we are so excited to be a part of. Thank you for making the soundtrack to these moments for us and anyone else who listens and can relate in their own way.

To COIN, with love from Zayne, Sophia, Savannah, Molly, (and Pleaser): 

From Zayne:

​​COIN has been the soundtrack that got me through college and has led me to some of my best friends. Finding their music was a turning point for me in my music taste as well as where I saw myself in the future. My music taste out of high school was mainstream and centered around what artists played on the radio but finding Dreamland changed everything. I listened to that album almost every day for an entire year. “Youuu” reminded me of all my favorite memories with my friends. “Nobody’s Baby” made me feel like the main character of a coming-of-age film. “Let it all out (10:05)” was comforting in a time when the whole world felt distant. It was songs like these that changed my perspective on music and made me realize that I could connect to music on a deeper level. COIN has always had incredible timing when it comes to releasing music. It’s always falling at times when I've needed clarity & comfort. The release of I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore is no different as I'm entering a new phase of life in a new city with new people and a new job! “Along for the Ride” and “Growing Song” immediately spoke to me on a first listen to the album. Reminding me that change is good and everything will work out as it should. Relationships may need to evolve but that’s normal and enjoying things as they happen is all part of this process. Without their music, I don’t know if I would be working in the music industry, let alone moving to Nashville to pursue this career full-time. I’m very thankful for them and the community they have fostered through their music. I never feel alone or judged at a COIN show.

From Sophia:

I remember getting ready in the dressing room in a community production of Heathers: The Musical at age 14 asking my friends “What song is this?” to which they answered: Talk Too Much by COIN! 

The deep dive that ensued was nothing short of life-altering because here I am, 7 years later with their second album permanently etched into my skin, and countless memories soundtracked by their music. As a fangirl in the ever-changing world of music, favorite artists come and go but COIN has remained consistent as a band I can listen to and feel comfort or joy or even to cry my eyes out if the situation requires. My love for this band has brought me so many lovely friends and ridiculous stories to tell, and I can’t wait to make more memories underscored by this album. Forever grateful for the life this band has given me!

From Savannah:

As someone who grew up listening to COIN, this album feels like one I’ve waited years for. Attending my first show as a fourteen-year-old, I knew COIN would be one of my favorite bands for a long time. On my fifteenth birthday, I wore the bright yellow “Fumbling through our teenage” shirt to my birthday party. When I was gifted a car at age sixteen, the first purchase I made for it was a “Crash My Car” air freshener. On my twentieth birthday, I celebrated by attending a COIN show with my best friends. Now, as my twenty-second birthday is approaching, I have a “How Will You Know If You Never Try” tattoo above my knee, I am writing the most important review I’ve done yet, and COIN continues to make the most special songs I know. This band and these songs have been the most constant thing in my life since middle school, and now that I’m entering yet another new stage of life with a new COIN album blasting in my headphones, all I can say is thank you.

From Molly:

COIN’s music found me at the right time, picked me up, and gave me a big comforting hug. Nothing in the world is better than a hug from the people you love. I have been so lucky to find comfort and support through their music and at their shows which now have become a sense of home. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for them, their music, and the friends I have made along the way. As I am constantly growing as a person and continue learning to love, I am so forever grateful that their music has been a constant through it all. Thank you COIN, I love you so much it hurts.