Alternative rock collective X Ambassadors drop “Ahead of Myself,” the fourth single they’ve released in 2017 ahead of their forthcoming album. 

Alternative band X Ambassadors made a name for themselves in 2015 with the release of their debut album, VHS.  VHS had numerous hits, led by the fantastic “Renegades.” Now, the band makes preparation to release their ever-important sophomore album, which can be “make or break” for newbies. “Ahead of Myself,” the fourth single released by the band in 2017, gives them a fair amount of fuel for the fire.

“Ahead of Myself” features many of the characteristics we’ve come to expect from X Ambassador songs.  First are the heavy, pummeling drums.  These drums and the respective groove hail from urban music, similar to the band’s colleagues, Imagine Dragons.  Another expected characteristic that appears here is the gargantuan chorus. Catchy lyrics, coupled with those hard-hitting, anchoring drums create a sense of the grandiose.  The sound is robust and dramatic.  Finally, the verses pull back musically and in regards to lead vocalist Sam Harris.

So, with so much familiarity in play, does “Ahead of Myself” bring much new to table? No, not particularly.  What does occur is an emotional, thoughtful song.  Lyrically it’s not deep, but the feelings are there, particularly on the simple, but catchy chorus:

“Thought I was ready, ready for someone else / But every time I get ahead of myself, every time I get ahead of myself / Thought I was rock steady, that I didn’t need no help / But every time I get ahead of myself, every time I get ahead of my… / I get ahead of myself.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Ahead of Myself” is a sound new offering from X Ambassadors.  This isn’t a flashy record, but there’s plenty to like and appreciated.  This won’t supplant “Renegades” or “Unsteady,” but it’s a welcome addition.

X Ambassadors • Ahead of Myself – Single • Interscope • Release: 7.21.17 

Photo Credit: Interscope