“I found a doctor to figure me out, opened up my head and let him walk around. Violet, I think I’m gonna love you for a long time.“

Youthful and lovestruck obsession teetering on instability is the central point of “Violet,” a new single from Joe P on his latest album, Garden State Empire. And it’s a smoking tune!

The track includes a clean acoustic guitar accompanied by an electric guitar swirling down the neck with ominous effect. The backstory to Violet is interesting, sad, and sweet, and it only makes the track ever more enjoyable! The young man in the story may be in love in an actual relationship or adoring someone from afar (alas! the story of my youth), and it’s never clear exactly which situation Joe P might be singing of. Nevertheless, whomever this woman is, she’s apparently got the kind of swagger and confidence that has left the tragic hero smitten and helpless. Love it!

New Jersey-based Joe P, an alternative rocker, has been producing home recordings for a few years yet the latest album is a step up from past experience. On the drive home from school pick-up, local badass Laurie Gallardo of KUTX spun this track, and the hook caught my ear!

Disfruta!