Review Summary: A cohesive, subtly experimental mix of grunge and shoegaze, with a gen-z twist
Sure it's pretty nice. Heh. Certified summer vibes as well, both ina good and bad way.
I'm not a long time follower of theirs while I have a bit of knowledge on their previous work, so it's their first album I listened to in full. I'd say that, as a fan of grungy and shoegaze-y music (but not entirely a fan of grunge and shoegaze itself), it's a very accessible mix of everything 90s, giving it a bit of a gen-z twist. While it's obvious they try to have their demographic, it's doesn't feel alienating or forced.
Lots of feelgood hooks in there. Sunshine, Still Love, Digital Self all provide some easy-flowing, sing-along choruses to relax to, while giving some cool contrast paired with a slightly jaded and pessimistic outlook on the world on occasions.
The darker side of Still Love is also quite alluring. Cold case is probably among my favourites on the album, with a nice melancholic riff, and lyrics that portray this constant feeling of inner disorder and pessimism, simply yet eloquently. Cigarette Two Step hits a little harder, with its slow grooves and final climax, with vocals almost screamed.
Now, I haven't addressed the vocals so far, but don't be fooled, they're damn good. Not necessarily mind blowing but they provide a great balance between poppy accessibility and raw angst. Tiny nuances and flaws make for a very intimate, personal feeling in his delivery. I even like that they're at the forefront of the mix, doing the opposite is one of the shoegaze stereotypes that I don't feel much about.
But the subtle experimentation in this album is what keeps things from spiralling into the "good yet unidentifiable" kind of album, in my opinion. Sprawled, with its soothing saxophone solo and amazing climax, the honest room ambience in the unprocessed Paloma a.k.a. Ketamine, the dread-filed speech closing the title track, it all gives highlights worth coming back to.
Perhaps this kind of bubblegum, radio-rock sound feels inadequate to stimulate some people's interest, but I feel that the album serves as more than an introductory rock album, and rather a quirkier take on things you might already like. Will totally keep an eye out for their next stuff.
