Opener ‘Any Given City’ transports you to some eerie distant shores; it’s not so surprising that this album was part recorded in the breathtaking surroundings of Loch Fyne, it feels like this one really hits the mark with a strong sense of awe and depth of ambiance.
Bringing you back down to Earth, ‘Taking a Fall for Me’ is temptingly resonant of classic 80s synth pop, it’s difficult to stay still as the sweet tick of hi-hat and snare keep this one bouncing along nicely.
Continuing in a similar vein ‘No Longer Dying’ features lovely repeated theme that runs in triplets in the background, like a babbling brook among colourful dissonant chords.
Trickling along nicely, what appears to be a simulated xylophone theme opens ‘Break Us Both’.
There’s a great skill in the way Mike Chang (lead vocals) keeps a slight Scottish accent but doesn’t present it as a distinguishing characteristic, balancing well between character and emotion, this continues in ‘At Night I Dream of Stormy Seas’.
There’s an intensity, a battle of rhythm guitar and bass in the bridges of this one, executed well by the three guitarists Dave Cherry (backing vocals, guitar, synth/keys), Darren Forsyth (backing vocals, bass, synth/keys), Danny Forsyth (backing vocals, guitars, bass, samples, synth).
The story continues with a change in pace in ‘Core’, a lighter take on the first half of the album with ethereal synth and lyrics that don’t feel too deep; a much needed lift.
Who knows what’s coming with ‘New Life on Loop’, sustained chords enter softly, followed by a subtle chime on glockenspiel, the vocals appear to question while the glockenspiel replies, it’s a soft reassurance against the uncertainty flowing beneath.
‘Life Back in Me’ doesn’t quite come through so strongly, it feels more like a filler, but ‘Single Novice’ comes back strong, Scott Maskame (drums, samples, percussion) gives this one structure.
There’s a nineties arcade feel about it, primitive electronic waves clash well with the guitar’s distortion; it’s 80s, but it’s more than that.
There’s a ‘hybridity’ to what this band produce, it sits on a continuum between pop punk and synth pop with some grunge for added value; very clever.
‘Silence/Vacuum’ is a testament to this dynamism, as the penultimate track it comes on strong and hearty and there’s a certain anticipation that builds in wait of the title track.
It certainly doesn’t disappoint, the slight accent comes back, it communicates honesty and provides IndianRedLopez with that relatable quality to engage listeners in a communal appreciation of all things synth.
A cheery sample comes toward the end, you’ll want to be dancing again, it’s come full circle and this album feels whole; well worth waiting for.
Commit by IndianRedLopez
Words: Rachel Cunningham
