While the gripping tenderness that opens Sophia's fourth album, there is a more compelling flow to the songwriting of "M" that hooks you in. The drums help keep it moving, more than leaving her wandering in the atmosphere of her guitar, though a surreal 70s vibe finds flute solos surfacing to provide a more expansive sound. Her singing style's hushed virginal vocal tones incorporate equal emotions and detachment. There is a more rock sound to "Driver" that sounds like a long-lost track from the 90s. She reaches into her head register for a few notes here and there, but largely it's her phrasing that is the most impressive part of her singing.
"Some Sunny Day" is back to a more melancholy haze of atmosphere. It sounds like she enjoys smoking pot more than she is depressed, but maybe that is how she manages her depression? "Changes' leans into an even greater ambiance that would be more fully appreciated if you were in a similar state of consciousness. "Abigail" is not a King Diamond cover, but instead an indie pop song that breezes, with a slight touch of the Cure's more radio-friendly moments as an influence on the synth lines in the background. . Though boygenius is certainly a fair point of sonic reference to the album's overall sound.
The lazy flow of "Thinking of You" is supplemented by a thoughtful bass line and nuanced guitar playing. It builds into more of an indie rock feel. "Dreaming of Falling" is more of a ballad, though it moves with the percussion to keep it driving in a pop direction. Technical she is far from a metal player or rock shredder, but is very tasteful and comes up with some interesting passages. "Salt in Wound' has interesting guitar parts, but the vocals are not as hooky as the previous songs, as things amble along. "Anchor" is a little more experimental which I appreciate as it gives the album a wider sonic scope. The last song kind of breezes by, as it's fragile in its strummed ambiance. This album excels at what it does and drapes your ears in emotional depth I will give it a 9.5, as see how it grows on me , fans of indie pop should me mesmerized.
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