This album came out back in June, but it's the time of year for me to catch up on things that fell under the radar earlier. We reviewed 2017's "Losing" album, not a great deal has changed in terms of what she does. There is a more refined production quality to the latest Sub-Pop release. The opening track is more of a riot grrrl tempo, jangles to much to be punk and smoothed out by the almost HAIM like vocal harmonies, are are a benefit of the refined production. Their some dream pop sounds leading into "Days Move Slow" . The tempo does not relent, where I can here they could break from this almost Nirvana like pacing by a few bps and let the song breath, but we get what we get here.
Things slow for "A Wonderful Life" and prove my previous theory regarding how the melodies might benefit from sacrificing a few bpms. We also get some more interesting guitar tones, and textures added to the song. 'Hard to Love" puts angst where some more polishing of the melodies into hooks could have taken place. I think I preferred the grunge tendencies of the previous album more. "Change Your Mind" sounds like Sheryl Crow covering No Doubt in a more aggressive manner. The more reflective moments proving to be the strongest. She does reach perfection at times with songs like "How Will I Know" that blends an infectious yet thoughtful melody with a volatile rock sense .
The fuzzed out speculation of " A Love Profound" is very effective in the hypnotic mood it creates. It flirts with shoe gaze in a round about way. Soccer Mommy joins the fun on "Lose You". It carries a casual 90s alt pop beat on the verses building into a more Veruca Salt like vibe for the chorus. It's a winning combination. There is a less focused strum to the wandering "Ms. America". "All This Noise" wants to be punk, and while it's influenced by punk, I am not sure it measures up to what we think of as punk here. Overall this album is pleasing to my ears I will give it an 8.5, as I do not feel it is where "Losing" was .
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