More than a decade ago, I rolled up to Asbury Lanes on a spring evening when the atmosphere was heavy with sea foam and a soupy fog tumbling west off the boardwalk. Near the prickly concrete steps, a frequent patron of our 10-pin refuge asked me how I was doing. I let him know about a tough night at work that followed the mangled chrome car wreck of a relationship that had just come to a conclusive fiery crash.

“When someone asks how your doing, just say ‘good or fine,’” he explained. “It’s not cool to burden people with your problems during a friendly exchange.”

Turns out we were not friendly, and this was our last exchange, but the message was received. This idea dug its claws in and festered for years. It still does. Even if I’m really not…to your knowledge, I am fine. I’m good. Or maybe, “Wa Daijobu.”

“Wa Daijobu” is a simple phrase that translates from Japanese to English as “I’m okay,” among other variations. The phrase is tucked in amongst the chaotic lyrics and Hyper-Pop heartbeat of “Die Hard,” the lastest single by Asbury Park’s own Trust Fund Ozu, also known as the mutli-instrumentalist songwriter Faye Fadem (We Used to Cut the Grass).

“Die Hard” is a nearly six-minute journey through the highest of heights and the absolute dregs that life has to offer, and frames both ends of this emotional gamut through 24 metaphorical hours inside the arcade cabinet of an RPG.

“If I was to dies right here, I’d spend my last coin on you,” Fadem belts among the punk riffs, cascading percussive explosions, and frantic electronic layers. “We are experiencing turbulence, take your seat and fasten your seat belt. Falling down and getting back up again, every pain I felt is worth it If I my high score is perfect.”

“Die Hard” depicts the Everest pinnacle and Death Valley scope of love itself. It’s death at both ends of the spectrum. You would risk it all the one you love…and to lose them feels like a decaying of the soul.

“This time feels like a bonus stage. But there’s so much I haven’t played. I fall back in to the arcade. There’s no Player 2. Where are you? I can’t 100% this life without you,” Fadem explains.

What’s truly wonderful about songwriting – and why I envy and celebrate those who can do it so well – is that even if the world at large lacks empathy, like some lost soul on the stairs of a punk club; even if you feel forced to bury your troubles way down deep; the artist can offer you refuge. On some occassions, you can get lost in the frenzied pace and neck-snapping instrumentals of a tune, or in other situations, find solace in the lyricist’s turbulent prose. In the case of “Die Hard,” Trust Fund Ozu offers the listener opportunities to unburdon themselves in both ways.

“Die Hard” is the lead single of Trust Fund Ozu’s forthcoming full-length release ARTiCHOKE, which is due out February 20. In addition to Fadem on drums and guitar, the record features bassist Cody McCorry (We Used to Cut the Grass, Karmic Juggernaut), guitarist Angel Marcloid (Fire-Toolz), and Joey Meland on the Rhodes.

Stream “Die Hard” below, and be sure to check out We Used to Cut the Grass on January 23 at Palmetto in Asbury Park.