And the children go to school
They were me, I was just like them
Realized I was just a kid
Hidden from the sin outside
Meeting Mirror is a post-punk project started by 22-year-old Orange County singer-songwriter John Oganeku. A songwriter and musician since the age of 14, Oganeku started Meeting Mirror in 2021, playing and self-producing all of his work from his bedroom studio. The name of his band is a tribute to his father, who was the singer for the 1980s new wave band Mirror Image.
The album, drawing heavily from U2, Joy Division, and Interpol, touches on the alienation, frustration, and discontent of apparent stagnation within Oganeku’s own life, as well as his entire generation’s.
“I don’t want the album to come off as hopeless or negative, but to leave hope in every song while still being honest,” he says.
Oganeku’s rich voice is highly emotive, reminiscent at times of Shane MacGowan’s growl, juxtaposed with ringing guitars and frenetic synths. The songs’ themes speak of generational trauma (“When It Was”), perpetuated lies by the media and authority figures (“Truth”), and a yearning for autonomy (“Woodbridge”). While the DIY sound is unpolished, it gives the album an intimacy and immediacy that is Oganeku’s authentic voice. It’s refreshing and honest.
An intriguing, introspective offering from Meeting Mirror.
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