SONG REVIEW: Siddy Valentine - "IDGAF"
“If Rise Against and Sum 41 had a baby brother, it would be Siddy Valentine”
by Jesse Smith
The embodiment of scream it loud and proud, Siddy Valentine is what I would call a post punk solo project that came out in 2021. I call it post punk because although it has some pop punk attributes, the overall vibe and energy of his songs are rooted in punk music, if you already took a listen to this song, or any song off his new album, you would understand. Siddy Valentine has released some singles in 2021 but as of recent, the singles leading up to and including the new EP “Karma Is Failing” you can obviously hear the light switch click on as he really has found his sound. As we dive into the last single for the EP, you will agree.
“IDGAF” is the final single from the new EP that was released with an official lyric video. Immediately starting the song, the energy is turned up to 11 and you know you’re ready to buckle up because you’re about to go on a ride. As the vocals kick in, it is reminiscent of the early days of pop punk, when it was more based in punk music rather than pop music. His vocals are raw and real which makes it that much easier to be intune with what the lyrics are saying. IDGAF is a triumphant song about getting over the love who left. We have all experienced that liberating moment of “you know what, i don’t care anymore. You do you and i’ll do me”. The raw emotion of the song really captures what that moment feels like. The first time I ever heard the hook, I immediately thought “Rise Against” but not in a bad way! Without ripping them off, it has the same style of flow as they have and the same energetic delivery. It’s like I said, if Rise Against had a baby brother. In the chorus, if you really listen and read the lyrics, you can see the progression of the “i don’t wanna give a fuck” to “i don’t give a fuck” really leaning into that light switch moment I was talking about.
“IDGAF” really hits home for me and I know a lot of people. Having raw energy and delivery really drives that punk feeling of just scream it as loud as you can and we’ll feel better. Thes rest of Siddy Valentine’s EP definitely has some other emo and pop punk influences sprinkled in, but as far as this single goes, get ready to scream at your car steering wheel, because if you’re going through that tough break up, this is your song. Grip the wheel and scream along, I bet you’ll feel better.