This solo indie multi-instrumental artist from New Jersey is the alter ego of David Osterhout. Meet Bike Routes. He melds elements of indie, emo, and post-punk with pop to create a sound that is completely his own. He has toured with Hawthorne Heights and worked with producer Zach Tuch.
His sound is full and well-refined, with raspy yet smooth, heartfelt vocals and fun instrumentals. His new single, "Delicate," is one of the most beautifully done, fun songs I have heard in quite some time. As soon as the song started, I was nodding along and smiling. Hands down, I had a really great time with this song and played it multiple times to make sure it wasn't just the first time around, like with "Happy" by Pharrell Williams. The song successfully passed the test and became a staple in my playlists.
The beat and the lyrics are both at the same level of energy, creating an overall balance to the song. His vocals are a little on the deeper side and smooth, with a nice rasp that adds depth to his voice. The instrumentals are fun, with just a touch of chaos without being too much or overpowering David. The lyrics are a wild, chaotic form of "fuck you" that had no business sounding that beautiful.
The lyrics ring true to the hearts of most artists, singing about not giving up on their dreams even when it is hard or when people tell them that it is impossible. Osterhout sings about his dreams to become part of a band and make music even when the whole town looks down on him for his non-traditional aspirations. Anyone seen as the black sheep for not following the status quo as expected can surely relate. Hell, I even dropped everything to join bands and then dropped other career paths to work in music, all against the odds of the adults around me who always said I would never make it, so I resonate with the message and how free Osterhout seems in the video as he belts the words!
Speaking of the music video, let's talk about how well this one fits the song as well. It was fun, chaotic, and free! I loved that the feel of the words, the sounds, the tone, and the themes all flow together without clashing. Osterhout knows how to make art in more than one form!
Let's break down the music video. I really love the visuals for this video! I am big into music videos with deep meaning and great cinematography, and while this video is more of the fun type, this style hits right in my taste. I love the way it was shot and the soft symbolisms hidden in it, with shots ranging from Osterhout's eye up close to him running and playing with his band. But it’s the shots of Osterhout in the dark room, where he stands and walks through a stark white spotlight and dances in a room with what looks like firelight crackling as a reflection on the wall and on himself, that serve as soft references to the lyrics, his aspiration to become a musician against all odds, and how he will not bow to what others want for him. It's beautifully done and adds depth to what is ultimately a really fun and motivational song!
Bike Routes created an all-around work of art disguised as a really fun song. "Delicate" is the first song I have heard from him, and I have found a new favorite in David Osterhout's music!
I can't wait to see what Bike Routes does next! Luckily, we do not have to wait too long. Bike Routes' new album, "PRAIRIE," comes out June 26th!
