Review Summary: An adventure into the past, travelling by ferry.
Hatchie’s latest isn’t necessarily that unique, but it does excel at giving peaceful, calming vibes throughout. Lights On is one of the best tracks, sounding almost like a 90s version of HAIM’s Now I’m In It. The Key is cool too, with a surprisingly crunchy guitar in the chorus that gives a naughty edge to Hatchie’s otherwise calming, spacey sound. I love how this feels like a time machine back to the 90s. I could almost hear Ashlee Simpson and Sheryl Crow singing along to this dream pop album. The 90s style sounds so accurate it could be used in a museum to study the time period (alright, I’m exaggerating).
My favorite tracks are when Hatchie turns up the catchy like in This Enchanted and The Rhythm. But honestly, I just like that style of pop (I’m basic). The slower songs are just as compelling, and are effortlessly pretty - a purely serene soundscape with beats and melodies that wash over the listener. The female vocals are equally easy on the ears, though not very memorable.
Compared to other pop albums, this only makes a small splash in the pond. It brings to mind Kylie Minogue’s throwback album, Disco, which is more engaging. The atmosphere in this album is lulling, making it great background music. A couple catchy choruses aren’t enough to get the blood pumping, but if you’re looking for something pretty and mostly unremarkable look no further. It is a rather pleasant addition to the pop world, just don’t expect too much substance with that 90s flavour.
