Based out of Richmond, Virginia, Conditions has a huge impact on the local music scene in their area. Unlike many bands today, Conditions tries to steer away from cliche subjects in their songs such as love, partying, and a more recent trend, people who did them wrong. Instead they write about dealing with life, appreciating life for its beauty, and human behavior. Each member of the band have strong opinions on the music industry, and they make that clear in a song off their independently released EP "You Are Forgotten" titled "Man to Mannequin". This song focuses on the issue of unoriginality spawning in the music industry and how artists rise to fame just by following the latest trend.
"Man to Mannequin" starts off with a fast paced guitar riff complimented by minimal drums before jumping into the full band pumping out a powerful introduction. Vocalist Brandon Roundtree begins the song by belting out the line "For what it's worth, it's just not worth it. Save it for somebody who truly deserves it." Here, he conveys his belief that if their band has to conform to a trend, then they don't want any part in it. He continues on with "These clones that can't even feel ascend their ladders with ease so effortlessly." Here, Roundtree again reiterates how, often, artists write songs lacking meaning simply because they'll bring greater success. Although the song is based on a serious subject matter, this does not take away from the fact that this is a great song to move around to. The blend of instruments are immaculate and as the song comes to an end, it still goes out with a bang!
The greatest thing about Conditions' live sets is how the meaning of their songs come to life on stage and how the audience connects with them on what seems like a personal level. "Man to Mannequin" is just as compelling when performed during the band's live set. Conditions has commented on there being a time where they did not really care for this song and did not play it for quite a while. More recently, Conditions has been incorporating "Man to Mannequin" into their setlist which has had a positive reaction from the audience when the first new notes are played. Personally, this is one of my favorite songs to hear them play live and I am ecstatic that they are performing it again!
Overall, the lyrical composition of the songs written by Conditions is what makes them a cut above the rest and one of the most popular bands in their local music scene. On a bigger scale, they are pretty much one of the most underrated bands who deserve their rise to fame. Signed to Good Fight Entertainment, Conditions has released one album titled "Fluorescent Youth" and are in the process of preparing to release their sophomore album early next year. To get a better grasp on what Conditions is about, check them out! Brandon, Alex, Ryan, and Corey are genuine musicians and they will not disappoint! I highly recommend listening to songs such as "The End of Progression", "Natural Competition", or "When It Won't Save You" if you want to hear more from them!