Up and Comers Music

A 90s Pop Rock Sting That Demands Attention

You know a song is something worth listening to when it bursts into life with such an unexpected, high-energy sound that leaves you momentarily stunned. Athena Maria’s “Lemon Juice” is precisely that kind of track—a fusion of contemporary indie and the gutsy, guitar-driven Pop Rock of the early 2000s, reflecting the swagger of artists like Pink and Avril Lavigne. This track doesn’t tiptoe around; it plunges straight into the hook of self-sabotage, immediately setting up a fascinating conflict: a song that sounds like euphoria but seems lyrically obsessed with seeking out emotional pain.

The song is short but packs some clever musical architecture, keeping you guessing with its unexpected structure. A subtle but impactful electric guitar riff interweaves with the layering of vocals, acting less as decoration and more as a driving force. Just when the electric guitar settles into a groove, the lyrics hit: “I’m in enemy lines / What type of masochist am I,” quickly followed by the addictive chant, “I want it / I need it / That lemon juice on my tongue.” Athena Maria, as both a creative entrepreneur and independent label founder, is a portrait of control, yet her music explores the thrilling need to chase the sting.

It’s this embrace of high-risk emotion that gives the track its power. The song moves through its multi-section journey until the final moments where power vocals hit with the force of a stadium anthem. This is a track designed for a high energy live performance, turning an internal struggle into a cathartic release.

Stream Lemon Juice here and follow Athena Maria on Instagram to stay up on her latest.

Follow the Up and Comers playlist to keep up with emerging artists.

–Stephen Choi for Up and Comers