Review Summary: Somewhat of a reinvention of style.
Emarosa's post-hardcore roots have been fading since the release of 131, but with Peach Club there is not even a trace of their old identity that is now seemingly dead and buried. It wasn't expected that they would go along with this sort of 80s revival style that they have - and truth be told, it does suit their frontman's soulful and soaring voice, but does it suit the rest of the band?
Peach Club immediately kicks into high gear with the first single released, "Givin' Up" with smooth vocals, masterful bass playing and even the horns. They keep this trend up with higher vocals and instrumentals that just melt together, like the piano and the guitars in "Don't Cry". This is what initially makes this record give off a good impression - despite the sudden genre shift, they show that they are still in control of their own writing and it never goes too far off the deep end.
It almost hits that point, though. While there are some songs with a more synth influence there are other tracks which leave you wanting more, or it makes you expect something else to happen. A song may simply showcase Bradley's vocals, but it doesn't leave such an impact when there's nothing happening in the background of it all, like how "xo" is nothing but a simple ballad. It feels as if it is only there to fill the space.
I do hate to say that their lyricism has devolved considerably in some areas. This record has a bad habit of repetition which does work for the style they are heading for, but it leaves you wanting more than just the same words repeated; at the least, there are songs like "Get Back Up" (which is about how Bradley is inspired by his mother) which are very simple and earnest. It's very reminiscent of "Sure" from 131 in that regard.
All that's left to do is to see if Emarosa can truly evolve further with their new style, as used up as it may be. They have shown the capability to add their own flare but have the occasional stumble.
Favorite tracks:
Givin' Up
Don't Cry
Get Back Up
Hell Of It
