Surviving Rocklahoma

First of all, yes. This is a “rock” based website. However, with an eclectic taste, I also appreciate the music of all categories. Not only that, no one can deny the shared lineage that Rock and Hip Hop share. Especially if you as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but, that’s another blog. With all this said, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to the new EP from one of Tulsa’s most active local music artists, Brandon aka “Had Enough“. This EP first appeared on my radar when our mutual friend and colleague in the local music scene, Kelly Kid of KickAss Pix, released the photoshoot for the new album, “Echo Chamber”, which delves into the abyssal subject of Depression and Anxiety. Each track on this 5 track EP is another aspect of a mental affliction that plagues millions in our country. These numbers saw a staggering rise amid the global pandemic we find ourselves in. The photos are powerful, the album cover symbolic, and the content itself is a journey through the depths of someone who is lost in the labyrinth of emotions they can barely control.

Track one, “Hindsight”. Starting off a bit broody with a suspenseful melody that prepares you for a dark stroll into the frustration and obsessive thoughts that come with Anxiety. Touching on a number of different social issues, it demonstrates how someone in this frame of mind grows increasingly frustrated in today’s turbulent times of debates and arguments at every corner. This is something that everyone who has dealt with Anxiety can relate to. Being sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Track two, “In My Head”. Now that we’ve delved straight into the world that can be a prison for many, we find ourselves locked in our heads. That tone of frustration has now changed to a somber tone of Depression. That feeling of helplessness and assessment of all that is holding us captive. With a chorus that is both beautiful in its harmony AND haunting in how much it can potentially connect. This is done with the experienced pipes of Tyler Griese. That ethereal melody is a sharp contrast to Had Enough‘s crisp and direct musings as he shares the tricks that one’s mind can play on them.

Track three, “Eternity ft. Sleek Simpson of Freak Juice“. When you deal with these issues, you can’t help but have your moments in the sun. When you feel this way, you can have a little pep in your step while you venture out into the world. This track’s beat has a bouncy rhythm to it that puts you perfectly into an outdoor setting, this is also supported by the ambient sounds of birds and a public setting. All the while, there’s a narrative track that overlaps the verses which also outlines how hindering creative energies are a perfect outlet for many and to take those away, takes away the major purpose for those who live to create art.

Track four, “Burn Brighter ft. Brett Mitchell of WolfUgly“. Falling back into a more darkish tone, the faster and harder-hitting spoken word carries more weight. The snare’s ticking simulates something bordering on a racing heartbeat or ticking time. The feeling of the track exemplifies the determination to fight, to push, to strive for brighter times. That all things are temporary, even the pain. The contrasting vocals of Brett Mitchell of WolfUgly add only power and depth as it stands out sharply against the more brooding mood of Had Enough’s thoughts in this tense track that is surprisingly optimistic at times.

Track five, ‘Self-Reflection’. In the most ethereal of all the chapters of this conversation in one’s conflicted mind, “Self Reflection” talks about the struggle many have to find that peaceful sleep as they are compulsively obsessed with the worries and concerns of someone that just can’t help but focus on all that can pile up on someone’s plate. Using this moment of self-analysis and reassessment of your goals, you question everything. Who you are, who you want to be, and how you want to get there. This track gives a raw and inciteful view below the surface of what often lies below the calm surface to reveal the chaos of someone just trying to get where they want to be.

Had Enough, with the help of guests Tyler Griese, Brett Mitchell, and Sleek Simpson gives a very powerful and illustrative view into the world of someone who wrestles with their own thoughts and fights a never-ending battle within their heads while also functioning in the real world. Had Enough is a regular of the local music scene, he can be found at local shows of different genres very frequently. He is also Tulsa Music Awards winner as well a very busy performer in the area.