Review Summary: drem.
There’s a difference between losing oneself and actually
getting lost. In the context of music, this can amount to a delicate balancing act for musicians and determine the difference between a derivatively unpleasant record and one that finds purpose in its depths. I could even argue that losing myself in a great song is a way of finding myself, but that would get overly pretentious and boring
real fast… so let’s just say that
Melt is an excellent record with enough shoegaze textures to elegantly swerve through. Whimsical’s fourth full length is a masterpiece of nostalgia, combining delicate vibes of ethereal wave with the crunch of many, many layers of reverb.
Wasting no time establishing its excellent take on
drem, opener ‘Rewind’ intertwines the loveliest vocal melodies you’ll hear all year with effortlessly heavenly patterns. The song’s riffs weave gentle ripples into an inviting wave of sound while touches of synth accentuate its shimmering intricacies. Even if it’s an undeniable highlight on
Melt, it also provides a framework for the record: subsequent tracks match the opening cut’s energy with memorable and genuinely catchy melodies, or opt for slower, more expansive renditions of Whimsical’s deceptively timeless sound. The magical ‘Just a Dream’ finds a perfect balance between tranquillity and intensity, enhancing sludgy textures with the weightlessness of dream pop. Moreover, the song showcases Krissy Vanderwoude’s vocals at their very best. Her voice is as warm as it is steady and self-assured, touching on wistful topics with a sense of maturity and order rather than naivety.
As such,
Melt doesn’t invite you to get stuck in its atmosphere; rather, it provides a familiar guiding light through its delicate sonic fabric. ‘Feather’ not merely sums up the weight of the record with its title, but also provides a perfect send off through a wide array of fuzzily shimmering rhythms. Seemingly referring back to the opener’s wishes of rekindling a lost connection, the record’s final lyrics comprise a simple yet touching sentiment: “
You float away”. It’s fine, it’s okay; the undefined ‘you’ got to experience the beauty of
Melt regardless. Don’t be sad you’re afloat; be thankful you’ll get to see the twinkling beauty of the gently glistening stars… or, eh, something along those lines. I think I might’ve lost myself for a second there.
