Indie/alternative artist Devon Again releases singles “Cherry Cola” and “Sunburn.”
Devon Again is an expert in writing about love and heartbreak. While her personality can be silly (she named her EP PEE), her work is often deeply profound; her latest pair of singles, “Cherry Cola” and “Sunburn” are no exceptions. In the lyric video for “Cherry Cola,” Devon sings and dances in front of a joke-filled slideshow, which only adds to how much fun the song is.
Both songs center around their titular symbols and the same romantic relationship. “Cherry Cola” takes place during the relationship – the song feels like a sugar rush of love that will never end. The chorus is a cathartic expression of feelings as Devon chants: “Loving you is just like sipping on straight syrup, sugar, sticky soda…”
However, the end of “Cherry Cola” perfectly transitions into the start of “Sunburn” and the aftermath of the relationship. In the reprise of the first song’s chorus, Devon sings “Loving you is harder when we haven’t talked in months.” The two songs perfectly mirror each other and make for a gut punch back to back. On repeat listens, this only becomes more tragic. Devon goes from singing “I know it’s forever I can feel it in my blood,” in “Cherry Cola” to singing “Loving you is hard because I’m never gonna stop,” in “Sunburn.”
The symbolism in “Sunburn” is just perfect. Sunburns are real damage to your body from a day out in the sun – in this case, probably a summer day spent drinking Cherry Cola. Damage that only really goes away with time. Sunburns usually show up once the fun ends; when reality sets in. “Wanted a clean slate, I got a sunburn.”
As much as “Sunburn” hurts, “Cherry Cola” never stops being fun. You can listen to both to get the full range of emotions – or just listen to “Cherry Cola” to embrace the fun while it lasts.
I am an Austin, TX based filmmaker and photographer. I moved from Houston to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where I graduated in 2022. I'm a lifelong music lover and spend most of my weekends attending shows. Some recent favorites are K. Flay, Devon Again, and Farmer's Wife. Other than that, I enjoy reading, writing, playing volleyball, yoga, and gaming.
