Every songs rhythm is fucking electrifying. There’s no need to listen to closely to the words (apart from on New York I Love You) but if you do I know you’ll connect to something. This is my first listen to LCD and won’t be my last. I think people that don’t like this have never smiled to themselves in a mirror and it shows.

some songs bored me however there are a few absolute slaperoonies. I think it was good to hear more than just creep. Truly if someone reminds me of it myxomatosis will play at my funeral.

Loved it, this album opens with the title track and does it so well. He then just continues to get more impressive. The range of his vocals are so so good. The production is of course amazing but it’s by he who shall not be named. The first two tracks makes me want to make a rom com, first song used for the shot of the woman crying in her car about the man. The second is the shot of the man walking sad on the streets of NYC, peak winter. (He’s got) takes me back to primary school, however he does it a whole lot cooler than we could. Only you know blew me away, it’s gorgeously romantic and such beautifully crafted lyrics. Good loving man is a tone switch I needed and I appreciate it a lot, great way to close this album.

I understand the plastic soul label, but he does do it so well. The arrangements make this album. The lyricism is right behind. Have to admit really don’t like the song ‘Win’ maybe I will change my mind one day but who knows. Very enjoyable 40 minutes.

Someone’s review already said it all. If it’s not broken don’t try to fix it. First time listening to a heavy rock album (?) and this wasn’t a bad place to start. It was fun, it was silly and it was well played. Surprised by how much I enjoyed, but not mad about it.

Every songs rhythm is fucking electrifying. There’s no need to listen to closely to the words (apart from on New York I Love You) but if you do I know you’ll connect to something. This is my first listen to LCD and won’t be my last. I think people that don’t like this have never smiled to themselves in a mirror and it shows.

some songs bored me however there are a few absolute slaperoonies. I think it was good to hear more than just creep. Truly if someone reminds me of it myxomatosis will play at my funeral.

This has actually shocked me. It seems like an album that was made as a jam session in the best way. Definitely didn’t expect to find it this entertaining. Usually get very bored of a guitar solo but not with Free Bird, totally allowed in my book. May not explore them more because I don’t know if there was much experimentation from them?? Anyway banging debut.

Wow. This album opens with a bang and just continues to keep you in a trance. The vocal performance is carefully crafted, down to the backing vocals. The musicianship surrounding it are second to none, all the choices seem so intentional and important. The production is excellent, thank you Lou, this many years later it still sounds incredible on sub par headphones. A new classic in my house.

Hated the first song. Second had better lyrics. Title track i enjoyed, tightly made song, love the drums, good melody line. Slow motion was a surprise but a nice one, seems pretty and bright. Loops was forgettable. The Architect was a good lo-fi moment. The Lightning Back sounds close to something i’ve made so liked that one lol. The main melody and backing vocals really complement each other. Valley could be an irish folk song, loved her. Ravenspoint, love the use of the speech at throughout “what is the fuss on our way to dust” he ate. The delay seems over used for me personally. Made me feel like it was dragging. I wish felt like on over extended fade out. All the transitions from song to song are really well done. It’s getting an 3 because although there were great moments I doubt i’ll go back to it.

Loved it, this album opens with the title track and does it so well. He then just continues to get more impressive. The range of his vocals are so so good. The production is of course amazing but it’s by he who shall not be named. The first two tracks makes me want to make a rom com, first song used for the shot of the woman crying in her car about the man. The second is the shot of the man walking sad on the streets of NYC, peak winter. (He’s got) takes me back to primary school, however he does it a whole lot cooler than we could. Only you know blew me away, it’s gorgeously romantic and such beautifully crafted lyrics. Good loving man is a tone switch I needed and I appreciate it a lot, great way to close this album.

That opening is extremely iconic. I love their harmonies so much, so simple but effective. Rosy is so emotional, with such a groove. Dandy, what a gentle punch in the face. There’s Too Much On My Mind make me cry, because god I feel that so deeply. Session man! “he’s not paid to think, just play” love it. Rainy day, sounds of rain/thunder throughout and somehow not tacky at all. House In The Country, such a beautiful and tight rhythm. Also the lyrics are way more meaningful than i ever picked up on before. Holiday sounds like it’s just vapid fun and shocker it’s acc not. I love the Davies. So jealous of their talent. Most Exclusive, the backing vocals are fucking hilarious and of course make it so much better. Fancy, so moody because of the instrumentation. It’s not my favourite but let’s be real it’s not bad just different. Little Miss has a magic to it, and i’m sure a lot of women feel it very deeply that it could be them they’re talking about. The guitar in the beginning and throughout and the drum solo in the middle is perfect. Storytelling is the cherry on top. You’re Looking Fine, is fine lol, the riffs and the keys carry it. Sunny Afternoon! What is there to say other than it’s an all time classic. If you don’t think so you’re so boring it’s unbelievable. I’ll Remember, lovely way to end the album. A neat little bow around the project. Has it all that they are perfect at. Their sound is so solid you know it’s them from a mile away. Their main melody lines are something to behold honestly. Can anyone actually explain to me why they weren’t as big as The Beatles??

This album in my generation is revered and i can see why. The first three songs are such a dramatic and well done introduction to Swift as a pop music icon. I love Welcome to New York for how punchy it is, it cuts through whatever moment your in. Blank Space and Style are pop writing 101. They do it so well, there’s nothing but catchy melody's and well structured bridges. Infact Blank Space is my favourite Swift bridge, it’s just so good. The next two songs are great but they feel a bit further from her, and i’m aware i’m saying that as someone who doesn’t know her at all. I didn’t like either of them completely but it wasn't hard to listen to them. Then we hit Shake It Off, and as much as I want to say I hate it, I don’t. Yes, it has been overplayed to death, but does everyone still sing a long?! of course we do. I Wish is one I enjoyed the writing the most, over the melody. Then you hit another two absolutely brilliant pop anthems, Bad Blood and Wildest dreams. Simply put they are masterpieces of pop for sure, not overall genius, maybe close though. How You Get is a great storytelling piece, what she does best. This Love and I Know Places are slightly forgettable to me, but not bad. Clean I again love the narrative, lovely poetic way to end an album of bangers.

Unfortunately it didn’t entice me enough to want to re-listen. But I liked 3 of the 12 on the first time round. Onie I liked as a well rounded ballad. Train for Tomorrow had an amazing switch to a jazz sound about half way through, it really pulled me back in. The Toonerville Trolley felt like a very good ending, it felt upbeat and light hearted. Over all though i think these boys just really loved The Beatles and were doing their best to emulate. Good on them.

She Has Funny Cars has great drums but didn’t really connect to the lyrics or melody. Somebody To Love is possibly the strongest second song on an album ever. Such a mighty sound, so well executed. Her voice has so much power and pain. My best friend, love the harmonies within the vocal performance, melody is solid too just not as catchy. However the change in tempos throughout keeps you locked in completely. Today, builds suspense and melancholy very nicely, I was really pulled into the story. The mini crash out at the end when singing “it’s all for you” so perfect. Straight into Comin’ Back To Me, with a long and slow intro makes total sense. I personally love the talking poetry take for the lyrics. The subtle melody is great to keep you guessing where it will go next. A well written musical version of yearning. I’d love to be two glasses of wine in listening to this next time. Woah, the complete switch back to the sound at the beginning with 3/5. This feels like the big crash out about missing someone to the point of being driven mad. Just needing to be in a circus. D. C. B. A. that last line “You were the world to me for a while” is quite frankly harrowing. Again showing their ability to make sorrow more upbeat. How do you feel, I love that pipe?? that brings you in. The chorus of vocals feels moving. I am interpreting this as being in the strange situation of meeting a fan, but could be completely wrong. Like i’m imagining them just not wanting to let them down because it “brightens up their day”. Embryonic it’s a guitar solo that is intricate and stunning. And that’s from someone who hates guitar solos usually. I’m actually having the thought that Harry Styles may have sampled it? White Rabbit seems very cautionary from the get go about drug abuse. Talking about asking Alice, i’m assuming in wonderland. Lyrically and melodically very interesting. “Feed your head” is fitting. Plastic Fantastic Lover falls a bit flat for me. Nothing grabs me. Some lyrics still ring true today but the composition doesn’t thrill me. In The Morning immediately does make me excited to see what they will do to the blues. I’m liking the instrumentation for sure. The rest is letting it down, and it’s truly too long, because it’s the same over and over. J. P. P., such a sweet song of friendship!! I think it’s adorably made. Simple but well constructed. Go to Her, feels like Somebody to Love’s cousin. I’m not the biggest fan, seems like a half assed version to repeat it. The guitar solos too long and feels unimpressive even with the pick up of tempo. Ending on Come Back Baby, the bass has a great performance, I really like that. Apart from that i’m a bit tired of feeling like this is a melody Ive heard on like 3 other songs at least. Over all the album has great vocal performances, fab rhythm sections and a lot of guitar solos. It’s too long. Personally it would be a much higher score if it took out about 5 songs. Anyway yeah most likely won’t listen to it in its entirety ever again.

The Cisco Kid, immediately feels like i’m in a film. Vocals are raw and creating a big space for the instruments to flourish. The groove doesn’t die. Where Was You At, is incredible. The tempo changes, the choral aspect, pure rhythm. It seems like a very good way to call someone out for not being there as they should have been. City, Country, City, is taking me to church. And it’s not a church I know but I wanna be there. There’s so many layers but nothing is out of place. I want to be in a crowd of people dancing immediately. I would love to know how moving this was live! It does not matter this is a 13 min song, the way it flows through you, you won’t notice. Not a word is uttered. It’s musicians at the top of their game. Four Cornered Room, is a beautiful demonstration that every person in this band played a part. The big group vocals just show that they are one. As i’m listening i’m assuming that it is about dealing with people that have very limited perspective. Not fully understanding them but at least trying to talk it out. The vocals are beautiful, the tones, the runs and riffs, the soul! The World Is A Ghetto, the title track, of course doesn’t disappoint. The meaning is not hidden, they are grateful humans, they have come from the ghetto and they know that the wide world is not much different. There is always good and evil wherever you look, your mission is to keep your perspective as golden as you can. “Happiness is here, have your share. If you know you are loved, be secure. Paradise is love to be sure.” The instrumentation is nothing short of perfect. Beetles In The Bog, a quick burst of energy, packed with all the elements they’ve mastered. Big vocals, tight as fuck rhythm, and soul that genuinely can’t be taught. Need it on vinyl.

Didn’t love the first song was a lot of layers that didn’t seem to blend well. But in context of the album I get why. First impression is fucking great. Love a bit. Ziplock, “you should have killed me last year” as an opener is so good. The rest is solid. Mic Contract, i loveee the back beat, no idea if it’s sampled or not but his flow over it is amazing. You can really tell he’s one of the original gangster rappers, that set a standard. Mind over Matter, “it’s not how much you say, it’s what you say.” he’s comfortable in this pocket of rapping and he knows how to use breaks, he fills them with a big sound/ samples of talking or singing. New Jack Hustler, is high energy, the tempo is so fast. Yet he’s rapping with the same amount of clarity. You can catch every word. He’s not fucking around, you will know he works hard and does it his way. I love this energy, he says “They’ll be another one after me” at the end, to me that shows he’s cool with opening doors for others. He also knows his influence. Ed, I could live without. Bitches 2, maybe he’s a feminist?? lol he’s basically saying it’s not just women that are bitches. He talks through men he’s known that “Went out like a bitch.” Love this story telling it’s top tier and the instrumentation is really complimentary. Can’t forget the chorus vocals either. Straight Up, is political, simple as that. It’s about knowing who he is down to his brown marrow and knowing how he was/is seen and treated. His flows all over it are switching up and done flawlessly. O.G., the title track, obviously doesn’t disappoint. “Rapping’ bout hard core topics, Over hard core drum beats.” He’s a self explanatory man. I admire him for it. He’s honest, he writes his experience and makes it very clear that even when he tries to fake it, the pen won’t let him. Evil E, asking where the raps are about sex is iconic, they are giggling they’re gossiping. And i love it. And im a woman. Fly By, he’s rapping so fast Spotify lyrics can’t keep up. Again he’s a legend, it’s very clear. Midnight, is terrifying because it’s such a scary story told very well. It kinda drags in tempo which makes the whole thing more intense. Fried chicken was needed after that and now i want some. M.V.P.s it’s a whole track of Ice just naming people that he has respect for, calling them players of the game. No one does this in 2025. Maybe no one else did this in 91. Respect is important to him, probably a big reason why he’s the O.G. Lifestyles, “I ain’t human no more, I’m a superman”. Talking back then about how difficult fame is, i fear not much has changed. Body Count, “Rock and Roll is black music” he didn’t sell out at all. He just loves music, and feels bad for anyone that doesn’t feel the same. Again ICON, this screamo track shows his versatility and open mind. This is punk. Prepared to Die, a spoken word track, no backing just his voice punching through. Escape, another political song, talking directly to his people. “You should have killed me last year” repeated again in this song. He knows his possible influence on people, and he knows the system doesn’t like that. Street Killer, the have the sound of jazz coming through on this one. Pulse, they tried to ban him, they tried to make him stop, he wasn’t done. I think this album is important to him and must have been really cathartic to make. He was just trusting his artistry. The Tower, “who has the power, the whites the blacks or just the gun tower.” Ya Shoulda, he says this album was completed JANUARY 15th 1991, I am listening to this album 33 years later to the day!!!! I am one of those people that believes in shit like that, like I was meant to hear it today and im really glad 1001 albums generated it for me today. He ends this album sending peace to everyone. And also a bigggg fuck you to the American systems. At the end of the day he’s a man that is a product of his environment and he has masses of talent. He took all he was and put it into his art. I may not listen to the album all the way through again but I will remember to show tracks to people and mention him when talking about legends. It may make me sad that he talks about murder and violence so casually but who am I to find it difficult to hear, he lived through it! I went from knowing nothing to admiring within one album that’s pretty powerful.

Move Any Mountain, well it’s deffo the 90s. there’s a tight back beat and interesting rap/talking going on. The chorus is classic dance and is only the title of the track basically. It’s in no way bad but I won’t be rushing to put it back on. Human, giving some what bowie with the arrangement. There is some underwater bubble noise that I love. Again drums are tight. It goes on a bit too long for my liking but they do build it up and down for interest. Now i’m gonna be real candid here and say, at this point in the album i had to turn it off before it contributed to a panic attack in the gym. So i will not explain my two stars any further.

This album is to be consumed when high, even then it could send you west. The final song, Grace, is 7.03 mins. Sad and Lonely times is the only thing worth my time here.

Alanis is so judgey and I’m loving it. “And all i really want is some patience”. Me and my boyfriend were JUST talking about how I have no patience?! I’m truly connected to All I Really Want. Her vocal delivery is what makes this, she’s so recognisable as a voice which is a hard thing within pop. The cut to silence is amazing. She definitely understands human nature. You Oughta Know, every woman has been through the pain she’s capturing in this. An ex has told you, you were the one, however the person that has replaced you happened just a little too fast. She is direct with this lyricism, no sugar coating is happening. The production behind it is fabulous, Glen Ballard and Alanis make a good team. The angst that is in this song is really connecting to how I felt at 21, just like she was. Perfect, not to quote hannah montana, but nobody’s perfect, that’s what i feel Morissette is getting at. She’s got power in her delivery here, but also contrast of basically whispers right after. “love you the way you are, if you’re perfect”. An amazing way of communicating that if you’re not right for me you’re not the one. Hand in My Pocket, I know this one. A song about being multifaceted, and that being the most frustrating thing about being alive. But what it comes down to, is everything will be alright. What a masterpiece. 21 year olds needed this in ‘95 and I can tell you I am happy this song exists for the people in 2025. Right Through You, the raw feeling of not being taken seriously. The epitome of being a young woman. Especially when being a creative. “Now that i’m a zillionaire, you scan for your name in the credits, wonder why it’s not there”. Never underestimate the memory of a woman that you turned away from. She sees through you. Forgiven, well she wrote this for me. And every girl that grew up one way. But live out another. This is a true confessional, written so well. And the performance, the borderline shouting, the minor keys, the creepy sound surrounding her doubt, her confusion. This song is about the cult that catholicism can be, and what a subject matter to attack and kill it. You Learn, the title is used in this song. It’s a song about living life to the fullest. Because what else are we here to do, if not try and try and fuck it up. There is always redemption in carrying on. There is love and hope and happiness eventually just by being here. Alanis wants us to stop being soo serious, remember we are all just doing it “the way a three year old would do” really. Head Over Feet, I completely feel this way about the love in my life. He just came into my life and turned it upside down in the best way. And i constantly remind him that “i couldn’t help it, it’s all your fault”. I really really understand Morissette and feel para social towards her. I’m not the first and i’m sure won’t be the last. She really was a genius at 21. Mary Jane, now i’m taking this as falling out of love with smoking weed. That’s because I personally have. We don’t get along anymore, it did really bad things to me in the end. And I think Alanis feels the same way. Also using it for a metaphor for herself. Talking to herself trying to encourage her to be honest. Not censor her feelings, or cover them up by getting high. But truly longing to find escapism in it, instead of paranoia. I personally cannot get over what a power house this woman is. Her voice is impeccable. I’m almost ashamed that this is the first time i’m listening to her properly. Ironic, i know this one too! To me it’s her Joni Mitchell track. With much more late 90s grunge thrown in. She can write a pop song, good god. WHAT A CHORUS. This alone is her ticket to the hall of fame for me. Her relatability is off the charts. Timeless is hard to do, while being catchy and meaningful. Not the Doctor, do not give this woman a boy instead of a man. She is not having it. Her standards are set and they are as high as they should be. Do not do/be everything to someone, losing yourself in the process. What a song to live by. Last song, Wake Up, this song builds tension very well. It gets you to a point where you think it’s gonna break, and release you to a full chorus, and it won’t. Complimenting the sentiment of the song. Ending this album saying the words Wake Up feels right. I can now understand who Avril Lavigne, to name one, idolised. This woman must have created so many careers without even knowing it. I feel I haven’t spoken enough about Ballard, but it’s almost like he’s done such a good job at producing it’s impossible to pick it apart. I cannot imagine these songs sounding any different, that surely is perfect production. This to me is 5/5.

Oh My Lover, love how it opens with just her and the guitar and continues to build other instruments around it. Sounds like she harmonises with herself? but makes it sound like it’s different people. It became very comfortable so didn’t listen as intensely towards the end. O Stella, that riff is so good. She has moments of using all of her vocal range with like one phrase, very impressive. This song almost sounds like it’s not 4/4 cannot figure it out. The lead into Dress is seamless. Great drums. Love the writing in this, simple and effective. Chorus “if you put it on” talking about a physical dress but i’m assuming a lot about putting on bravado too. Fake it till you make it. Victory, the guitar/ bass motive reallly strong. Makes then whole song. I think the lyrics are going over my head but it feels powerful, it’s sung extremely proud. Happy and Bleeding, woah her voice is so far back in the production. The whole this is extremely quiet. I’m getting the impression that she’s screaming into the void. No one’s seeing her worth, particularly someone she really wants. Again the guitar work is so fab, so well layered. Her tone carries over it all so nicely. The ending feels like a small crash out and i relate. Sheela, love this straight away. It’s angst and it’s great. “Put money in your idle hole” is now part of my vernacular. Hair, there seems to be a lot of religious references in this album. This one seems to focus on betrayal. I love the drums, again the guitar work in this album is incredible. Bass line is so great in this. Another one with a strong chorus and vocal delivery to match. Joe, this is stunning. Something i’d never think i would like at face value. The time signature seems to be a concept and i love it. There’s so much going on that all works so well together. a proper head fuck of a song. Plants and Rags is her ballard. It’s stripped back and still very busy. I hear a man’s vocal? Seems like that’s her to a T. It’s tension and release. Confusing and understandable. Fountain is another one that begins with her voice very much in the background. Again seems to be deeply rooted in religion. I hear a man’s vocal again. This is discussing waiting for a prophecy?? Being willing to be completely naked in order to follow someone. Whatever time they give you is precious. Water, the final track. An intro that sets a strange and easy to grasp time signature. Jesus walked on water and so do his followers? She’s “taken it into her head” but she asks “prove it to me”. What i take from it is after this whole album she’s decided in-fact, she is doubting all that she’s been taught. She’s starting to sink into the water and the music completely compliments that. She was 23 releasing this album, very close to my age. I get the hope and the doubt, the screaming the whispering. This is an album with a very strong core and after one listen I appreciate her art a lot. For a debut this is such a strong sound, with rock solid soul interwoven.

Angus Dei, the creeek??? violin??? immediately a no from me. i’m scared in broad daylight in my nice area in london. ohh the vocals are haunting in a nice way? i think they may be reversed? conflicted atm. Half way thru and he’s worshiping what can only be the devil. It’s pretty. I’m warming up to it. Ooo there’s been a major release. yum. No idea what direction this album is gonna go in, exciting. The one that you love, was not ready for a jaunt like this. Still seems sadistic but in an upbeat way Rhythm section is great. “Let’s fuck this awful art party” great line. The production is really tight. Everything’s really balanced well. Sharp ending. Peach trees, he’s continuing to question what love is. Honestly comforting that he was 31 when making this. The sounds is putting you into his world, there’s a lot of tension and suspense there. He’s tied of “reading the critics and comics alone”, that’s an all encompassing line for sure. Do peach trees grow in New York? yeah they do, in the outskirts anyway. Little Sister, oh this will make me cry. I’m a little sister, sending it to my brother immediately. The classical element reminds me of our late granddad too. This is so beautiful, and so raw. Loved it. The Art Teacher, wow. To be adored like that. An art teacher being a muse is so so poetic. “Never have I turned to any another man again”. He owns a turner now, people that leave a mark on you, you find a way to carry them with you. And he carries us through that yearning feeling with that song. Hometown Waltz, everyone had wanted to burn there hometown down no?? I have. And ive come to understand recently that as much as you hate it sometimes “all the roads lead back to home”. Litterally or metaphorically it’s most likely, you will end up where you began. The sound of this song is like a slightly broken music box to me. This Love Affair, “Not that i don’t like cruzin’, Just that i’m bruisin from you”. Lyrics that take somthing, like this phrase, and flip it on its head make me giddy. That’s songwriting at its finest to me. To take a slightly comical and painful comment and split it up, so that it hits (pardon the pun) that bit deeper. This song captures the feeling of limerence. Gay Messiah, a count in, in 6/4? “He will fall from the star, Studio 54” so “better pray for your sins”. What a song by the true diva, Rufus. That’s all that needs to be said. Memphis Skyline, this is him and the piano. A simple composition, that then blooms into this subtle sonata. For me, he can really make me feel what he’s feeling?! It’s stunning. The sudden start of Waiting For A Dream, is soothing. The effects on the voice, im loving, feeling dreamlike for sure. Everyone hates a cocktail party being ruined! And in 2025 there is still “an ogre in the oval office”, history does love to repeat doesn’t it! I do hope you have been sleeping Rufus. Crumb by Crumb, feels like a musical chorus number. “Many a time before, Before i’ve many a time” love this and he does it multiple times. This feels like the feeling of looking for someone to believe in, and taking it that little bit to far, moving into obsession. I have been there. “Behind the facade is a lonely angel, still” He has an ability to hit you with realism in between somewhat nonsensical lyricism. Old Whores Diet, this man is a vocal powerhouse btw, he’s secure in that chest voice. I was about to type this isn’t my favourite, then the chorus and the samba instrumentation? and multiple voices that he’s doing?? came in. Yet again he got me. And i’ll leave it there, no need to keep dissecting. I have learnt from looking that there is Want One and this one (Want Two) so i’m intrigued. I went in to this pessimistic, and came out being brought to tears, consistently surprised and with new favourite lyrics of all time. A shocker of a 5 for me.

I Am Trying, sounding messy at first. i’m thinking it’s improv. Vocal melody is going nowhere. Some sad and sweet lyrics. The vibe of this song is that disinterested teens are in a music lesson. just playing whatever they can get their hands on. Kamera, right rhythm section. Feels like the teens have locked in. I like this it’s fun to walk to. Radio Cure, this is sad. The drum is really going through me in a good way. “Cheer up honey, i hope you can” is devastating. War on war, makes me think of the kinks but modern production, in a great way. “you have to learn how to die, if you want to want to be alive”. Great lyric. Jesus etc., best yet! so chilled. “our love is all we have honey”. It’s a very beautiful love song, realism mixed with romance. my fave so far. Ashes, “all my lies are always my wishes” is powerful and actually made me wonder if i’m the same. “I would like to salute, the ashes of American flags” feels disturbingly fitting for the current state of the country in Jan 2025. Heavy metal Drummer, the intro made me have a visural reaction. I fear everyone has loved a drummer at some point, so fair comment. Missing innocence, another feeling every human has. I love the space alien noises going on. This song feels nostalgic to me even on first listen. Im the man, again the kinks?? i like it. guitar work is fab (except the solo, im picky about them and this one isn’t for me) and drums are solid. The vocal backgrounds, loving them. Pot Kettle Black, this song could have been on an album by the artist Finneas that was put out in 2024. And I really like it. It’s nonsense lyrics that make sense?? love that. Truly the melody of this one i’m sure has been recreated over and over. Like i’ve heard “versions” of this recently. Very solid indie track. Poor Places, major beatles energy by half way through. They do it very well though. The album reference coming more into the foreground as it gets more and more intense is great. Stress signals are popping off. Really distorted guitar and beeping and just a wall of sounds. Like that one a lot. Reservations, the opening lyrics are heartbreaking, ending with “I’ve always told lies for love”. Everyone has, to someone or to ourselves at some point. It grows to be about knowing when it’s the one though, even if everything else in life isn’t stable. That’s your person, no second guessing. Ooop half way through, but sounded like the ending? I feel like we are back full circle, this is the same teens in music class but they’re better at working together to blend the random instruments they’re using. I love some of them, they are sweet and sad but for me he isn’t doing much with melody, yeahh he does well for his range it’s just not that big of a range. And for me to want to re listen I need more vocal dynamic going on, I want a strong singer at the front. Not completely fair but it’s who I am. I really hope they’re doing well, don’t know why i feel the need to say that but there you go. Solid 3.

We’ve Only Just Began, immediately what a stunning voice. The choir that joins her, beautiful. “we start out walking and learn to run”. The melody is dynamic and subtle. The instrumentation just holds the lyrics gorgeously, floats you along the story being told. Love Is surrender, my goddd the harmony is perfect, there’s crescendos into the most tightly knitted chorus of voices. “you can’t cover up the past, Just pretending will never last, Without love you are nothing at all.” I don’t love the idea of surrender for love but i have to admit that parts of you most likely has to. Maybe it’s You, truly cinematic. Could still be used for film some 53 years later. “Only a fool would want to leave the paradise that i’ve found whenever you’re around” Romance is always written about, but when you find the people that can make cliches so special, you’ve found real artists. Reason to Believe, a small genre shift, to a stronger country sound. Manipulative behaviour is being discussed in a nuanced way. Even after being lied to, infactuaction, sadly can still exist. “If you took the time to change my mind, I’d find a way to leave the past behind” Help, a beatles cover done very well in my mind. It’s hard to cover them. They haven’t messed with the bones of it, they’ve just added what they do best to it. Chorus vocals of tight harmonies. Focused on vocals at the forefront, but the tight playing of the instruments obviously make it come alive. The drums for me are the best aspect, such a strong groove all the way through and the fills are fabulous. (They Long To Be) Close To You! A classic, elegant love song. Again the perfect example of what I mentioned earlier. If you can write cliche after cliche, but wrap it up in stunning melody, harmony and backing vocals, you are talented. “So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold, And starlight in your eyes of blue”. If you’re in love I dare you to not crack a smile while listening to this, I think you’ll lose. Baby It’s You, this is sad. You can’t stop yourself loving someone even if they don’t feel or act the same. There’s anger in this vocal performance that I like, because I haven’t heard it yet. And it reinforces this situation is horrible and frustrating for any person. The sax solo is a great choice, well tbh sax rarely makes a song worse. I’ll Never, this isn’t my favourite cover. I do have to admit that this song has been tainted for me by a comic called Peter Kay, it is funny. Aside from all that I can’t say it’s not a good cover, again they definitely meticulously arrange everything they do, down to the quaver rests. Crescent Noon, this is 1000% the best vocal performance on the album?! the range she reaches, both high and low. It’s more understated in arrangement and therefore i think underrated. I know as a singer, this would be such a dark horse of a song to cover. She makes it sound effortless. Also the concept is magic. “You and I were, Born like the breaking day ….Slowly, we’ll fade into A sea of midnight blue And a falling crescent noon.” Anything beautiful will always transform, for better or worse. Mr. Guder, has musical theatre core. “You’ve blown your life just playing a game, Where no one wins but everyone stays the same”. For me an image of a man in power in corporate America. This arrangement is haunting, extremely fitting as always. I Kept On Loving You, the manipulation is here again! A song for all spineless men that crawl back after fucking off (you can tell i’m bitter!). Again great arrangement, very nice to hear the rich male tones singing. The last song, Another song. With poetic lyrasism and ever expanding instrumentation they close this album. What sounds like an enjoyable jazz jam leaves you wanting more. I simply had fun listening to this, want it on vinyl, want to learn songs. Also the album art is adorable. This records a 5 for me.

Message In A Bottle, the ska influence in the vocals are strong, borderline problematic in 2025 lol. They can really write a pre chorus! “I hope that someone gets my” building up like that really gets you riled up. When the title is sung it’s almost underwhelming, but it works because then all the energy comes back in for the verses. All the instrumentation is so tight, especially in the repetition at the end. The solo guitar licks are tasteful and nicely placed in the production. Reggatta De Blanc, title track, immediately the drums are incredible, soooo tight so fast. The “lyrics” all the way through are just vocalisations, well interesting. Not what i was expecting at all. The harmony used on them is great. This is a celebration song. It’s Alright For You, this is a rock-pop tune. Everyone in the band are locked in from the get go. It explodes into the song. Lyricism is nothing ground breaking but its chorus is fucking catchy. It’s like spoken poetry for majority. Bring On The Night, the tension with the guitar is so fun. The lyrics make it quite sad, but then the ska rhythm contradicts that. So from what he’s saying, “couldn’t stand another hour of daylight” makes you worry for him but the groove makes it sound like he’s ready to party so “bring on the night”. There’s some more tension made by the guitar about half way through. I like it. Deathwish, this is about being a reckless driver. They’re a male band in there 20s gotta write what you know i guess lol. Again as always with The police, the bass is beautiful, drums are tight and guitar adds to it all but doesn’t run the show. I appreciate their talent for sure. Walking On The Moon, i’m seeing this as a song about wanted life to work out for you even if your taking risks. You got to have a lot of courage to follow the arts, “some may say i’m wishing my days away”. I think they did the right thing, if that’s even what this is about, could be missing it by miles. Love the outro, they do them very well too, make them memorable. On Any Other Day, what an opening. “you want something corny you got it” looool they delivered. I’m assuming this is a response to people saying they steal from genres that aren’t theirs??! i’m truly guessing and not looking it up. So they wrote lyrically, a cookie cutter pop tune. The only difference you can tell is that the instruments are played at an extremely high technical level. I like it. The Beds To Big, the jamaican twang of his singing in this one is getting to me a little. slightly cringe. You can use the rhythm and instrumentation of a genre of course, inspired by is fine but copying the inflections of an accent is a bit far for my pc ass in 2025. These boys can really play ska tho, clearly came natural/they worked v hard. Concept is regretful love song and it’s good. Contact, this is quite fun, short and sweet. Love the melody rhythm, it’s interesting. Quite talky this one. We are back to some punk rock genre. Sting can play the damn bass for real , shock lol. Does Everyone Stare, this is a musical jazz number??? This feels like a swing to the right but there’s still the syncopation they love present. Key changes happening makes this demand your attention, and the harmony, and the drum fills. I enjoy this one I love that they just tried something different ish. No Time This Time. Oh it’s time to mosh. It’s so fucking fast. Great way to end the album. “I’d slow the whole word down….i’d stop it spinning round”. Everyone still feels there’s no time for anything 45 years later. A timeless statement of a song, vocals are great, big harmonies in a decent and fast pace chatter. Brilliant guitar solo, very impressive bass work, drums are phenomenal, that fill at 2:50mins damn! The police did a big one with this. Look I know The Police cos of my dad first and foremost, so i have always had a soft spot for them cos he loves em. Now I know sting hasn’t been the most loved celeb over the years but him, Stewart Copeland and Andy summers could write and play the fuck out of their ska/punk/pop songs. And i’m happy for them and I like this album.

I thought everything I heard was well done, the instrumentation was tight and lyrically not bad. Loved the drums on most of it, and the guitar work was always mixed well. Only half listened to it really so not a fair review. Will listen again and request to change this if I feel like I should.

Beetlebum, the guitar is so distorted, not shocking. Main vocal is an interesting melody, like that he switched from head to chest voice so easy. Lyrics are simple and confusing, horney and sad. Drums are easy and fun. Lead guitar has a little moment towards the end. This song could have ended a minute earlier for me. Song 2, an absolute classic. This is their peak?! surely. The guitar distortion is perfect, the drums perfectly simple. Lyrics and melody just sink in to your skin, the delivery is so so good. Only he can sing this song properly. The accent so prominent is incredible. All 2 minute songs are perfect, that is my theory, it could be brain rot that has caused this opinion however I believe a 2 min song doesn’t give an artist a chance to fuck up something brilliant by trying to add to it. Country Sad, the weird noises at the start, scratch my brain. I love that he just sings in such strange ways, it adds to their sound so much. This song has stuff that fucks with the key it’s in and it’s fun. I think these lyrics are just about being a normal fluctuating sad man??! idk. The crash out at the end is a lot, works well. M.O.R, oh this whole intro is banging. Beatles sounding backing vocals for sure. I like the energy of this track but i don’t think it’s their most memorable. On Your Own, feels somewhat indie country twang?! it’s the four on the floor beat and the tabourine??! Love the lyrics, feels like it’s about being famous but really trying to remind people you’re just humans in a band. “My joy of life is on a roll, And we’ll all be the same in the end” Theme From Retro, feels like a bit of a filler song for me. It’s interesting and breaks it up but don’t think it was a necessary part of the album. You’re So Great, lyrics are relatable and lovely. The placement of his voice in the mix sounds like a hungover conscience being nurtured by the instruments. The instruments being the people you love around ya. “City’s alive, a surprise, so am i” and “And i feel the light when you tell me it’s okay” encapsulates the energy perfectly. Death of a Party, almost circus sounds coming from a synth? A great song asking is it really all worth the hangover they’ve just had lol. You can keep going to “enjoy” yourself. But the more you go to the more you’ll “hang yourself….gently on the shelf” by the end of it. Chinese Bombs, welll it comes straight in as i’m sure a bomb would (sorry that’s insensitive). However I the line “Bruce Lee come, save the day” would also be seen as distasteful. This is a heavy topic to cover in 1:23 but i guess they did that so?? not sure how to feel truly. I’m Just a Killer, kind of similar sounds wise to the one before, a wall of noise situation. Damon really doesn’t push his vocals forward very much. It’s really interesting. Not my fave track. Look inside America, vocals!! off the bat loud and clear. The band is so tight of course. Great bass. He’s speaking about how hard it is to break America! All the “second rate chat-show” performances that have to be done for example. “Look inside America, she’s alright….But i’m not trying to make her mine”. Think this really shows they were happy with their success inside the UK and after this album and success of Song 2, i wonder how they look back on this song?! Strange News, veryyyyy bowie. Almost nonsensical but not at all? feeling really lost within the world. The soundscape is really otherworldly noises i like it. Again they mess with keys and it’s interesting. Very floaty song, nice to escape to. Moving on, has the clicking track sound at the beginning. very cool choice. Again his vocals so low in the production, letting the instruments do the main talking. Singing about how weird it is to be at the forefront of a style?? like you really have to just move on with it, believe in it. They did that and I hope they had fun making such a big wave, as hard as it may have been to ride. Last track, Essex Dogs. Sounds like a revving engine. Was not expecting those drums, like an r&b sound. The two sounds are not married but they work. The guitars try to pull it together. Oh talking, our accent is so good lol. This is chatting about the gritttty reality of a big city, like london. “You’ll catch the flu, or you’ll catch the city” incredible work. Good ending to this maaad sounding album. Hold on. I thought it was over and it’s not. A mini song at the end?! an extended outro. could live without it but a cool touch. It has to be a 4, listening it all the way through again will happen at some point. But i’m not turning it back on immediately. I mean maybe song 2 hehe. Album artwork is a 4 for me too, love the colour, the acc blur also good work. tiny bit anxiety inducing if i’m honest.

Walk On By, immediately it’s cinematic. His vocals are so smooth and grounded. “Make me believe you never see the tears I cry, Do me a favour and walk on by” is heart wrenching. I feel like there’s so much going on that all work together so well it hard to pick things out of the production. If a song this long should get boring and it just keeps building, the really high pitched guitar i don’t like but the drums are magical. Hyper……, is suchhh a groove. The mumbleish singing is fabulous. Like hard to make out the words but it doesn’t matter cos the soul is there. The chorus of women saying this insane title word is beautiful. “My heart is on strike” such a brilliant line. I think half way i just heart him say “dig the groove” and i’m gonna be so honest I am feeling like there’s main character while walking to my gym class rn. The piano is simple but so necessary. This music cannot be picked apart, mostly cos i don’t have the knowledge to but it is a whole. One woman, oh beautiful, hoping my man feels this way about me damnn. oh hold on he’s cheating :0 that is sick Hayes, hope u sorted it out. This is a stunning song tho. So precise and particular with the choices of the arrangement. I hope it’s not written about true events but i guesss I’ll personally forgive him, because the musics too good. By The Time, love does make the world go round. I love this talking explanation, just symbols in the back. His voice is such a boom, the little singing in between the spoken story are stunning. The strings come in perfectly obviously. The yearning in this song is palpable. I love the trumpet far back in the mix. The outro is sad and triumphant simultaneously. What an artist. I would never chose to listen to a 45 min album of 4 songs. Because I would assume it’s over indulgent and cocky. But this is well constructed and beautifully played. It has to be a 5.

Slow education, starting off religious. His heavy voice with the brightness of the woman’s that come in is a beautiful pairing. The instrumentation seems very secondary to the lyrics on this one, somewhat sloppy in a good way, to match the lead vocal. So it’s about doubting religion??, and growing up and feeling like you’ve been lied to?? and it leads to the idea of death :( I love how childish and also deep cut the chorus is. Talking about being part of all the elements and knowing “i’m not the same” after being enlightened in whatever way. Room Games, such a romantic opening “i’m gonna love you for a hundred years, through suffering and celebration dear”. This is a gorgeous understated indie love song. oh my lord “we’re gonna die till it doesn’t hurt, then they can bury us side by side” it may seem like it’s been said before, but for me he’s just set such a high standard of lyrical ability! that’s stunningly heartbreaking. The guitar solo is precious, the drums are such so stable and the vocals are not perfect in a brilliant way. Time Will Break The World, greaaaat title. Another Ab Lincoln mention. I resonate with “the snow falls down so beautiful and stupid”. I think this must be about government or obviously just the state of the world in 2001, “And i have no idea what drives you mister, But i’ve killed you in my mind so many times before.” A big statement. I remember me, he’s a romantic. and a beautiful writer. “And they slow danced so the needle wouldn’t skip, Until the room was filled with light.” Followed by “The sunshine walking inside you, And the man you could see in me” has made me tear up. Oh god my heart just broke “when a runaway truck hit him where he stood”, “so deep in his coma, when he finally came to the girl he loved was long gone”. what a sad but great storyline! “I remember her, i remember then, i’m just remembering” Horseleg Swastikas, makes me nervous kinda title. I’ve been thinking he gives me a Johnny Cash vibe and this song has solidified that. This is indie country. “And i wanna be like water if i can, cause water doesn’t give a damn” Transylvania Blues, is a nice instrumental break but i miss his lyricism lol. Let’s Not and Say We Did It, also great title, drums are the starrrr of the show. Incredible rhythm, such a fast pace. This is a fun and silly song i like it. Piano is great too, sounding very honkytonk. “we can ride all day in a one course open sleigh, and that’s exactly what we did”, such a good ending. I heard a little chuckle in the mix too. Tennessee, “i’ll make a career, out of writing sad songs and getting paid by the tear”!!! i love his honesty. “Marry me and…come to tennessee, cause you’re the only ten i see” brilliant. Oh the woman’s responding now, she has a small section but a great one. “Because the dead do not improve”, this is true but in my head also harsh, i think that the memories of a person can become a better legacy than people thought when they were here. Hindsight sometimes signs such a big amount of love. Friday Night Fever, a song simply about the need to be independent. And it’s true and great. “Sometimes a man just needs a breather, She knows i love her and i need her, I’ve just got that friday night fever”. Women feel the same. Death, last song. He continues to be so sad and sweet. “We’d never been promised there will be a tomorrow, So let’s just call it the death of an heir of sorrows.” “I wish I had a new pair of boots, But mostly i wish, i wish i was with you”. This is a 5 and i was not expecting it at all. I had no idea what I was in for. Ive learnt that David Berman never really liked to do live shows and I’ve just learnt that David Berman is dead and a real part of me is sad. I had hope I could see him live. He’s new favourite songwriter of mine. And i hope that the other two members of the band are well.

Devils Haircut, i can tell he’s blown out many speakers before. The drums are so good by one min in, groove is lovely. “Coming to town with the briefcase blues” is fab. the alien esq noise is fun. i’m gonna call it the bridge where he muffles his vocals really suits the lines “ Rock ‘n’ roll, know what i’m saying? Everywhere i look there’s a devil waiting.” makes it feel like it’s proper inner thoughts. The outro being so distorted makes a lot of sense, ends up as a scream track. Hotwax, i felt like i’d heard the intro before, looked the samples used and a dodgy site told me there’s 11?! not sure how but it all works if that’s true. The quiet drum break mixed with a synth and trumpet?? very wild. He’s basically rapping, “Sitting in the kitchen wishing i was livin like a hitman” can relate. So he uses the melody of jingle bells to sing “I get down all the way” i like it. Making “I am a broken record, I have bubblegum in my brain” was a choice for sure. There’s a lot happening, i’m kind of getting used to how much shit he mixes together. “I’m the enchanting wizard of rhythm” great way to end a tune to be fair. Lord Only Knows, i didn’t appreciate the mini heat attack as an opener but we continue. This is giving country ish at the beginning. I appreciate that he loves a drum break, they just are cool. I think i understand the screaming at the beginning now, because this is pretty much a solid genre, he needed something to throw you off. He’s a nonsensical straight story teller. This had Odelay repeated, i’ve been saying it wrong. The New Pollution, sounds off the bat like a it could be a tune for a dr. suess movie. I’m liking the groove and the melody of this one, that chorus is great. A sax has entered the tune therefore it’s banging. Then a little synth solo. The scream of the guitar only lasted for a second. I think there could be flute in here too?? I have no idea what he’s trying to say about this woman but i think it’s clear he fancied her??! Derelict, he loves a shocking intro, it’s a choice. Very distorted vocals. Very intense lyrics, “I fell asleep in the funeral fire” is so graphic. Just had to google what a fallow field was so I learnt something. There’s som sitar and chromatic scales going on from like 2 mins in, it’s adding a lot to the tension of this track. The rhythm of how he says “derelict wind” is a small choice but i really like it. Novacane, rock forward. Drums again are strong. He’s rapping again. This feels like he was deffo listening to big American rappers of the 90s. Im thinking there a samples in here too. He’s good at using them. Half way through there’s no more lyrics coming at you. Honestly it’s hard to write rap that fast for long so i get it. The last minute has almost ruined it, the wall of distortion was too much. The drum beat (808 i think?) saved it kind of. Jack-Ass, a ballad? funny name. I like it so far half way along it’s been a break from the fast pace of the album. The keyboard motif is nice. a chilled drum beat has come back for the last minute. Joined with a harmonica. “i remember the way that you smiled” is a beautiful lyric. The animal? noise that the end not my fave choice. Where It’s At, i’m glad this has the intro, it’s a good one. Again he’s built a great groove from the start. This is more spoken word, got like a fun melody to it. The chorus of claps are great. “That was a good drum break” was just said, told you he loved em. “Shine your shoes with your microphone blues” fave line. There’s so many fucking weird sounds all the time, and as much as I don’t love it they work. Two turn tables and a mic area all he needs clearly. The horns he’s adding in and taking out are stunning. This is a party song, even more impressive if it’s someone’s karaoke pick. Good crowd work opportunity. Minus, STRONG bass line. Just said karaoke how funny. This song happened so fast and distorted that it’s hard to pick apart. It’s very tight. He does however end it by saying “frogs, frogs” and I am a lover of that animal. The mix of screaming, distortion and alien noises play out the end of this track. Sissyneck, starts with a loud whistling. I’m assuming this is about being somewhat of a redneck. I like the chorus melody. The backing feels fitting, it’s country with a rap drum beat, something he clearly loves to mix. “Cause nobody knows, When the good times have passed out cold” is a sentiment I understand. He’s not here to comfort you. The ending makes sure of that. Readymade, indie is in my ears. “And my bags are waiting in the next life.” is devastating. The horns that come in feel contemplative like the whole song does. High 5, love the guitar but it’s outshone by a lot going on. This must be a lot of samples. This isn’t my favourite, but i can understand that this is unprecedented as a single track, let alone the album as a whole. “what’s wrong with you man? Get the other record. Damn.” A very fitting sample for this. Ramshackle, this after the last song is exactly what listeners need. It feels like this is as mellow as he can go. “We will go, Nowhere we know, ‘Till we find our one and all.” This feels like he’s yearning for a quiet space. The whole album does feel like a 26 year old has so many ideas that he’s got out but he’s still chasing something he can’t quite find yet. This song feels important and simple. Diskobox, if he ended it any differently it wouldn’t have made sense. The screaming, the distortion, the crazy noises, samples, alien sounds, horns, the mega drums and their breaks are all here to party. I for one cannot even make out a story and it doesn’t matter, this is just a culmination of what all the album is. I’ve never heard anything like this album but i may not be rushing to put it on repeat unless i really neeed a scream, so could be soon tbf. I’m giving it a 4, he intrigues me but im also very slightly scared.

Miss Judy, is a good rock song. Upping the tempo towards the end is the star of the show. I enjoyed that a lot. The lyrics and melody were something to nod the head too, not life changing, but fit. You’re So Rude, great title. I love the feeling of this one. The guitar motifs are great. Almost jazz like? bluesy? I love the groove all the way through and some lyrics made me giggle. Love Lives Here, a ballad. He sounds close to Rod Stewart on this record. I think he’s sad about the breakdown of a relationship that he doesn’t want to face but he knows is true. The piano is beautiful in this. Guitars and drums are married well. Last Orders Please, sounding country off the bat and off the title. “Fancy seeing you here” i like a lot, hear it so often in normal life. “I thought time was a healer, But I guess I was wrong. I am to blame”. Drunken words are sober truths?? Stay With Me, feels rock forward with blues connotations. This is fully about being a rockstar, and deffo lonely, but masking it as wanting to fuck. A very known tale. “In the morning please don’t say you love me, Cause you know i’ll only kick you out the door.” As long as it’s detached he’s fine with it lol. The melody is good tho, and the band are supporting this message very well. The ending speeding up into a jam like feel is so good. Clearly all at the top of their game in these moments, they’re locked in tight with each other. “Slow down a bit” so realll. Debris, another slower song at the beginning. “And you, you tried to tell me, But i had to learn for myself.” Having to fuck up to understand it. “Oh you were my hero….But i left you on the debris” I think this song is about truly wondering if you fucked up someone’s life, and not maliciously but through pure lack of care. I like it. Memphis, is a story i was not expecting. From the start i thought maria was a stripper but you come to learn she’s a 6 year old girl. so?? i’m taking that as a child made by surprise?? but truly it’s an easy ish listen as a song in general just a chilled electric country tune. The band really love to speed up at the end. Too Bad, i’m baffled by this story. They were turned away from somewhere for being scruffy. Makes a lot of sense to me, but he’s annoyed by it for sure “they just wanted to socialise” righttt. Again band it tight, a lot of moving parts but i’m not hearing anything much different from the rest of the tracks. Last track, That’s All You Need. Distorted guitar starting us out. Four on the floor, kick drum. This song wasn’t that memorable for me, couldn’t sing anything back if i tried really. It’s not awful though. I’m giving the album a 2 and that might seem harsh. But at no point was i wowed. I enjoyed it as easy listening, his voice is good and the band is tight. Nothing ground breaking. I love the album name a lot.

Stonemaker, the strings are gorgeous. The drums feel very nostalgic to me, this is the 2010s tbf. The melody is simple but rythem is everything. When it opens all opens up when she says “Show me emotional respect” it really feels like she’s asking as kindly as she can. “Like milking a stone, To get you to say it” I feel this very deeply. It’s such frustration and yearning mixed together. And this soundscape captures that. “A juxtapositioning fate, Find our mutual coordinates” it won’t be easy to get there but if they do it will mean unison. Ends how it began with beautiful strings. This did not feel 6 minutes long at all. Lionsong, woah the harmony work is so crazy, very cool. Somewhat uneasy. Strings again. A stronger drum beat. “This wild lion doesn’t fit in this chair, Maybe he will come out of this loving me” then morphs into “These abstract complex feelings, I just don’t know how to handle them”. There’s no need for a metaphor when you understand what is happening. I’m assuming this is about the same relationship in the first song. She really uses rhythm as her melody?? if that makes sense. She really follows her story. Ends by saying “Somehow i’m not too bothered, I’d just like to know.” Fatigue for the situation has set in. You can feel that with the strings they’re strong but somber. History Of Touches, a synth to begin with and just her voice. “I wake you up, In the middle of the night, To express my love for you”. This is deffo about sex. “Every single fuck” confirmed my hypothesis. This does feel intimate and close. It’s just her and a wall of synths really. It’s very interesting. There’s sadness too, it’s the last time. Black Lake, this feels very sad. The strings. “Our love was my womb but our bond has broken”. Is this about falling out of love with the father of her child?? :( The drums sound like a heart beat. wow all of the lyrics are truly heartbreaking, and the vocal performance is simple and raw. “You fear my limitless emotions, I am bored of your apocalyptic obsessions” two very different people have finally come to the end of their commonalities. “Did I love you too much?Devotion bent me broken”, wondering if you pushed them away with intensity. The music begins to speed up, still sounding like a pounding heart from the drums, the intense strings could be a panic attack. Then it settles as she says “I did it for love, I honoured my feelings” feeling safe again that this was not her fault. Again it begins to speed up, the melody becomes higher and more chest focused when she says “Family was out sacred mutual mission, Which you abandoned”. There’s a lot of space almost hinting the need for a response from him. The production come together again for her to finish by saying “Returning home”. This is a haunting masterpiece. Again somehow did not feel 8 minutes! Family, the drums are demanding. She’s in pain for sure. This is a heavy album. “No triangle of love, So where do i go” Feeling incomplete after the break down of a relationship. There’s so much space in the production, close harmony and call and response. Echos, making it feel like she’s in a void. “To mourn our miraculous triangle, Father, mother, child”. A complete change happens to staccato strings. She’s mad but also trying to “build a safe bridge for the child” out of this trauma :(. It ends with her saying “this location of solutions” she has to carry on through the pain. Notget, this feels more upbeat but still tense. Then she says “Once you fell out of love, Our love couldn’t carry you, And I didn’t even notice, For our love kept me safe from death”. She is shattered by it. “If i regret us, Im denying my soul to grow”. The drums are carrying her along to heal through it. It’s horrible but it has happened. She’s fighting on. There’s a synth that is incredible, gives some light. She is singing very openly in her chest voice, reaching high in her range. It’s haunting and hopeful. “Love will keep us safe from death” is a beautiful sentiment, delivered in a painful way. Atom Dance, this features ANOHNI. “None is a lover alone, I propose an atom dance.” This feels lighter, she has realised that “love is the ocean we crave” and she is not alone. It feels like an alien waltz. “Enter the pain and dance with me” she welcomes all of us with broken hearts to join her to heal :,). What a little fairy nymph she is. “Atoms are laughing at last”. Mouth Mantra, I think this is a song about being silenced. Within her creativity and her voice within her relationship. Again it’s very airy. Strings adding tension. A consistent drum. Echos and lots of synths. “This tunnel has enabled, thousands of sounds”. Her voice mixed with the void she is moving through. Ends very cinematically. The final song, Quicksand. “our mother’s philosophy, fells like quicksand, And if she sinks, I’m going down with her”. I feel this song is to her daughter. It’s fast and fierce. Whatever happens she will be right by her. “When we are broken we are whole” understanding pain can bring people closer together, especially if it’s shared. “And my continuity and my daughters”. I hope I never need this album, but i know it’s likely I will have big feelings to get through that this will aid well. She so interesting as a vocalist, she creates her own rhythms I can’t really explain it, at first it feels a little clunky but then you get drawn in. This album is devastating, but hopeful in some ways and strong in most. She makes it through the pain. I love that she had creativity as an outlet in this time. It has to be a 5, no one else could dare to create/recreate this. The artwork is gorgeous. She stands in all black radiating spikes of yellow and blue and silver. And this album feels as though although she feels dark there is moments of colour through all the separate deep feelings.