Doublespeak: Sofia Isella, Alabama Shakes, Noah Kahan

Episode 5 takes us through some really heavy topics and songs, and that's why we do this together, and why we have a cocktail while we do it. Alex's monologue addresses his thoughts on writing protest songs, and the three songs we are listening to this week excel at addressing large systemic issues in deeply personal ways. But first, Alex talks us through our first egg white cocktail on the pod!Want to follow along with this week's playlist? Right here: https://www.tunemymusic.com/share/8WLGKHqwtYThis week's drink:DOUBLESPEAK1.5oz cognac.75oz sweet vermouth.25oz lemon.5oz fig jam syrup.25oz hazelnut liqueuregg whiteCombine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and do a dry shake first. Add ice and then shake until it's cold. Pour into a glass, serve up in a coupe glass, and garnish with an orange peel if desired.-------Sofia Isella starts us off with Numbers 31:17-18, her meditation and indictment of the Old Testament verse. Sofia brings an incredible vocal range to this track, and every part of the production helps to buoy the point. We hear shades of Dresden Dolls, Ethel Cain, and Tori Amos. Moreso, we are excited that younger artists are using their platforms to address deeper societal issues in pop music. As Alex says about the production, it's good mixing and good sound design, bringing a theatrical bent to it all that deepens the meaning. Listen with headphones.Onward to Alabama Shakes and their new single "American Dream." As with anything the Shakes do, this one is pure excellence, but also pure protest coming from the voice of the average American existing in the slog that is 2026. When presented with the skill that a band like Alabama Shakes provides, it's a home run of an affecting track. Brittany Howard sings us through the deeply pocketed groove, speaking to the drudgery of waking up every day in America, with lines like "Low-grade fever, lower-wage people, How many folks got shot this week? It's enough to make you wanna go back to sleep." Indeed.Lastly, Noah Kahan brings a more personal take on getting through while looking back with "The Great Divide." A more traditional indie folk pop track, Noah's rumination on a friendship that is long over but still bringing up regrets really gets us in the feels. His writing is vague in a way that allows the listener to feel it personally. While we veer into stomp-clap production, it's an evolution of such and suits the subject matter well. We hear some Jason Isbell influence in there along with the Lumineers. It's a bittersweet end to this trio that are all good answers to anyone who dares to ask, "Where are all the modern protest songs?" They're right here.Tune in next week when we have a special guest: Noëlle Hampton is joining us from Austin! Check out her band The Belle Sounds while you wait.-----Alex's links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerboyingTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flowerboyingAlex's Substack: https://alexanderdaoust.substack.comJana's links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janapochopWebsite: http://www.janapochop.comJana's Substack: https://janapochop.substack.com