I remember finding this off of ARTV's top 50 songs of 2020, and at first it was just a song that sounded nice, quickly buried by other liked songs. Then, for whatever reason, I played it again a few weeks later and it suddenly clicked for me how good this song was.
Figure Eight has this carefree and exuberant youthfulness to it that is rare to find in this potent of a degree, despite it being a core theme of the pop punk genre. There's this level of half-cynical cheerfulness they manage to achieve with a creative selection of musical elements, alongside what can only be genuine and passionate singing that really sells the whole thing.
The moment the song starts, it's like a shot of endorphins. The spacious group vocal chanting "woah", the soft lead line, the ambient synth, the bouncy drumming, it just crafts this happy soundscape that sets the tone for the rest of the song, especially as reoccurring elements in the chorus.
There's just something about his vocal tone that fits perfectly with what they're going for, as well as his delivery. It has this youthful essence with a tinge of nostalgia, equally energetic and emotional. His vocal performance throughout really does paint the picture of long-time friends reminiscing about old times and sparks trying to fly, at least to me.
The chorus is nigh perfect. It's the best of this cheerful sound they're going for all in one place, with most of whatever was going on in the intro, but with a brilliant hook on top. I love how he lets his enunciation give way to his cadence and rhythm to let the emotion shine through as brightly as possible, because it is a pop punk song after all.
I love how they approach the second chorus, with that gang vocal acapella version in front. The sparkly sound effects and soft guitar lead at the back just sell the atmosphere. It feels like those nights when you're young and carefree and all life was about was having fun with your friends. It has all the makings of a nostalgia anthem, the kind people chant along to en masse.
The saxophone solo is simply gorgeous. It's not the kind of fancy show-off solo, but rather a much more tasteful and emotional one that does this song justice. It's not overtly technical, but it is impressive to hear the amount musicality in it, and how well it goes with the rest of the song.
Figure Eight is one of the happiest songs I've ever heard in my life. Not only that, it feels genuine and unforced, like how some songs get real dramatic about it and never acknowledge the sad stuff, this song doesn't do that. It manages to be so many things in just three minutes: nostalgic, youthful, happy, bittersweet, and anthemic. And most important of all, it's captured my heart.
Rating: 4.5/5