This album came as a result of the band breaking up, not creatively but romantically, as the duo of Matthews &Muller, were in a relationship up until 2024. For a break up album, there is a hopeful vibe running through this album. I can only imagine how awkward the studio sessions were, but perhaps it was healing. There is a new wave feel to these songs rather than darkwave, which is fine, as they had taken what they were doing with the reverbed, cavernous pulse of synths and breathy vocals as far as they could without switching gears.
Jae has to hit the road and get some perspective so that influenced how she delivers these thoughtful lyrics that are not marred by the kind of cynical venom you expect from a breakup.She does drop down into the more familar purr on "Break Me" which is the darkest of the first three songs. "Tough Luck" is sonically more upbeat, musically reminding me of some of the Cure's early radio hits. The pick up the tempo on "Faulty". Lyrically, this album is heavier, and the music seems to be a counterbalance to that. The first song that feels more like a moody post-punk ballad is " Coming Home' which has a more retro synth feel.
A dancey thump possesses "Hard Beat." Cellphone voice notes punctuate the album's lyrical narrative. "Ice Pick" is like a more organic post-punk take on their past sound.. She croons a little more on this one, and overall her performance on this album is more nuanced. The downtime gave this project the needed creative refresh. "Jay's Spiral" is an intersting confessional interlude that paves the way for "Pray 4 Me". It's a smooth New Romantic groover. The drum program begins to take on their more signature formula in the album's third act, which should win over long-time fans, as thi is a staple of their sound. Her vocals also lean back toward her more deadpan moan.
"Bleed" closes the album with a pretty minimalist approach, sparse hi-hats keeping time over the lethargy of her vocal lines. Dynamics are never what they are known for, but establishing a sensual, shadowy mood; yet this album finds them expanding from that, making it their most accessible and well written relased yet. Heartbreak is good for the creative spirit. I will give it a 9.5 and see how it grows on me.
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