“Cherry On Top” by Ainsley Costello is a cheeky, clever, irreverent pop-punk track filled to the brim with charm. With its classically catchy chord progressions, gritty instrumentation, and powerful vocals, this song harkens back to an ever-satisfying, nostalgic sound we all know and love. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the catharsis that is “Cherry On Top.”
It begins with a rather energetic combination of deeply distorted power chords, frenetic drums, and a pleasantly melodious guitar riff. Suddenly, with the arrival of the verse, the instrumentation cuts to just ukulele and voice: “I’m not as dense as you think I am.” Ainsley’s vocals have a sweetness to them here, a juxtaposition to the coming chorus. The ukulele really emphasizes this contrast, giving the verse this acoustic, casual texture. As the song builds, Ainsley’s voice pushes into a belt, and the instruments slowly trickle back in. The lyrics detail a betrayal, rife with idioms and subtle references that ultimately heighten the sting and pithiness of the message. There’s no greater example of this than the chorus: “You put the cherry on top of the mess you made / But I leave it out to rot.” A slew of overdriven guitars erupts as the chorus forms a clear, cogent display of anger and indignation.
If you’re an Avril Lavigne fan, you should undoubtedly check out Ainsley Costello. “Cherry On Top” is genuinely one of the most delightful iterations of the pop-punk resurgence. Be sure to send her some love on your choice of social media or streaming service!
Written by Alyce Lindberg
