Denver-based singer-songwriter and pianist Alex Thomen returns with his latest original video release, ‘Where Did They Go Wrong?’, a song that effortlessly blends clever lyricism, infectious piano work, and razor-sharp cultural commentary. Following his recent LP ‘Piano Works’, the track finds Thomen navigating the unexpected turns of human behaviour with a satirical edge, turning three distinct stories of irony into a compelling, cohesive musical journey.
From the first note, the piano dominates as Thomen’s virtuosity and energetic phrasing drives the song forward while keeping the storytelling intimate. The arrangement feels both expansive and meticulously curated, despite being recorded across multiple locations: Aaron Walters laying down drums in New York, Ryan Casey tracking guitars in Nashville, Tim Dolquist on bass, and Thomen himself recording vocals and piano in Denver. The result is a seamless, vibrant sound that belies its scattered origins, testament to the collaborative chemistry of world-class musicians and the precision of mixer Joe Costa, known for his work with Ben Folds.
Lyrically, Thomen shines. Each narrative is rich with irony: a self-conscious boy blossoms into a brash “alpha male,” an ambitious woman falls into the trap of an MLM scheme, and a med student veers toward alternative medicine, despite his original aspirations. Thomen balances humour and insight, a cross between Ben Folds’ melodic piano-rock, Tim Minchin’s witty verbosity, and Bo Burnham’s cultural sharpness. His words capture the absurdities of modern life with warmth and intelligence, allowing us to laugh, reflect, and recognise truths about the world around them.
Musically, the track is both dynamic and playful. Thomen alternates between soft, contemplative piano passages and energetic bursts that lift the song into anthemic territory. Subtle textures and rhythmic flourishes provide nuance, supporting rather than overshadowing the storytelling. The combination of performance, arrangement, and lyrical craft makes ‘Where Did They Go Wrong?’ a standout piece, demonstrating Thomen’s unique ability to marry intellectual humour with genuine musicality.
With this release, Alex Thomen cements himself as a storyteller who illuminates life’s ironies, one clever chord and witty line at a time.
