Dirty Nice – Surrenderland

An eclectic, unique record with cartoonish appeal...

UK and Lisbon based two-piece Dirty Nice thrive in their own cartoon world on ‘Surrenderland’, a record which plays to their unique creative strengths. The sophomore album from the duo goes on a musical journey, exploring everything from experimental synth to slower love songs – all of which consist of the band’s individual spin, something impressive for a band only on their second record.

‘This is Gonna Hurt’ opens the album with a jumpy and upbeat intro, and sets the tone for the record that it will be one of a lively character with upbeat tracks. And this isn’t a wrong assumption; ‘Shark!’, ‘Sophie What’s Up?’ and ‘Capsizing’ are just a few examples of more tracks on the record that have a lively spin. The record and the band’s sound fit nicely into the feel-good indie/ alternative genres, with moments of instrumentation alluding to music from the early 2010s.

Mark Thompson’s instrumentation and Charlie Pelling’s composition talents particularly shine through in the variation on the record. Though there is a lively overtone which is mainly driven by synth and production, ‘Apple Core’ and ‘Pride Of Place’ introduce the ‘traditional’ indie instrumental side to the album, with slower tempos and moving melodies with drums and guitars. 

While the variation is great to emphasis the band’s wide-ranging musical ability, focusing the tone on the album onto one genre could have been beneficial to the cohesiveness of the record. Having said this, the eclectic nature of songs is what makes it an engaging listen – it’s very rare that I end up laughing while listening to songs, but the oftentimes bizarre but wonderful lyricism does catch you off guard in the best way. Pelling has worked with comedian Sam Campbell and BAFTA winner Jamie Demetriou before, explaining the humor behind lyrics such as ‘flopping like a fish on the blow-up bed’ and ‘kissed on the corner of the road in the ultra-low emission zone’. Lyrics which I’m sure you haven’t heard in songs before.

Likened to a comic book in a way, it’s the cartoon-like feeling of the record which makes it memorable in a busy genre. From driving down the motorway in ‘Shark!’, being submerged on a submarine in ‘Capsizing’ or exploring London streets tinged with romance in ‘Shoes’, the album offers many worlds to transport yourself to.

With such an eclectic and unique sound it’s no surprise that Dirty Nice have received praise from the likes of Florence Pugh – praise which I’m sure will only grow in number. You can listen to ‘Surrenderland’ now.

7/10

Words: Amrit Virdi

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