Scared As Me - Matteo Germeno
By Eli Andrew
Equal parts indie singer-songwriter and radio-friendly pop, Matteo Germeno’s latest single ‘Scared As Me’ is an exploration of self-reflection over contagious melodies and catchy rhythms. The bouncy, Harry Styles ‘As It Was’-esque beat is almost in contrast against Germeno’s hushed, tender vocals. Lyrically, he explores themes of hedonism and escapism, leaving your head behind to dance the night away; a temporary reprieve from fears and regrets, and the noise in our heads. The indie-rock guitars drive the melody, with a Two Door Cinema Club ‘What You Know’ style riff, but more pensive and restrained. You can imagine the tune being played in sunny British fields during festival season, or blaring out of car radios on a warm summer evening.
Germeno emphasises the contradictory feelings of falling and rising throughout, highlighting the highs and lows of life, all delivered in a distinctive pop croon reminiscent of Ed Sheeran. A profound sense of fear and vulnerability runs through his lyrics (particularly the closing lines of the chorus, which also lend the song its title), but on first listen this can be easily missed due to the vibrant sound of the track. Regardless, by the final chorus, you’ll already know the words and be singing along.