Public Nose Bleed by Mothmanlive: A Vaporwave Journey That Sticks With You
If you’re into electronic music with a dreamy, nostalgic edge, Public Nose Bleed by Mothmanlive is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2018 under DMT Tapes FL (a label known for its quirky and experimental vibe), this vaporwave gem feels like a late-night drive through neon-lit memories. It’s not perfect—some tracks feel a little rough around the edges—but that’s kinda what makes it so charming.
Let’s talk about two tracks that really stuck with me: “You Make Me Feel Alive” and “Lonely.”
“You Make Me Feel Alive” hits different. The beat is bouncy yet chill, like someone took an old 80s synth track and gave it a modern twist. There’s this weirdly uplifting vibe to it, even though the title suggests something deeper. I dunno, maybe it’s the way the melody loops—it just feels like the soundtrack to a montage where you’re figuring life out, ya know? Like, yeah, things are messy, but hey, at least you’re alive.
Then there’s “Lonely,” which flips the mood completely. This one slows things down and gets introspective. The synths here are softer, almost hazy, like they’re mimicking the feeling of staring out a rain-streaked window. It’s melancholy without being over-the-top sad, if that makes sense. Every time I hear it, I think about those moments when you’re surrounded by people but still feel disconnected. Weird how music can do that, right?
The rest of the album has its highs and lows too. Tracks like “Teenage Anxiety” and “Over It” bring back that angsty energy we all try to forget, while songs like “Last Kiss” and “I Just Don’t Love You Anymore” lean into heartbreak territory. Not every song lands perfectly, but overall, it’s cohesive enough to keep you hooked.
What I love most about Public Nose Bleed is how unpolished it feels. In a world where everything is auto-tuned and overproduced, this album reminds me of mixtapes from the early internet days—raw, personal, and full of character. Sure, some parts could use tweaking, but honestly? That’s part of its charm.
Final thought: Listening to this album felt like finding an old VHS tape in your attic. You don’t remember recording it, but as soon as you press play, it floods you with emotions you didn’t realize you’d forgotten. Oh, and fun fact—I listened to this while cleaning my glasses (thanks, Mothmanlive, for the unintentional life hack). So yeah, give it a spin if you’re in the mood for something nostalgic, imperfect, and oddly comforting.
