Pale Waves have always been a band that redefines the way songwriting and high-quality production mix together, and that is no different with the new album ‘Smitten’.
Some may see this body of work and think the band have gone back to their roots, and others can see they are trying new soundscapes and lyricism, for this writer, it’s both. That is ultimately the beauty of ‘Smitten’. It moves with the waves of the music world where the rebellious pop punk sound of the past is there, but the new hooks, snares, and alt-rock vibes of the present are creeping in.
The new album is all about relationships. It’s bold, unique, and keeps fans wanting more. Tracks such as ‘Not A Love Song’ provide that fast-paced romantic look at finding yourself in a relationship, all while ‘Miss America’ is here to give an insight into lead singer Heather Baron-Gracie’s partner, and how they have healed parts of each other they never thought possible.
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Ever since the debut of the band, they have been ones to experiment with new and old dispositions. Guitar-lead music and smooth vocals is a part of that, with the focus on the past to show off a different person. The lead single ‘Perfume’ is a prime example of this, it’s inspired by the infectious music made by The Cranberries, all while capturing how The Cure left an ever-lasting effect on listeners.
At the heart of this body of work is Pales Waves producing the most realest and grounded bit of music yet. Yes, it’s their fourth album, but it feels like the band didn’t leave anything unturned. Every bit of freedom the members felt is written, played, and seen in ‘Smitten’.
Navigating sexuality and relationships is always a tough one, and this is expressed throughout the twelve-track production, but even more so in ‘Gravity’ and ‘Slow’. Both tracks are here to talk about mistakes, messing up, and understanding how it all works in this crazy thing called life.
Manchester’s very own four-piece have created something that everyone can relate to. Love, heartbreak, growing up, and self-discovery are the ingredients to this emotional rollercoaster of a cocktail, and it’s simply beautiful.
8/10
Words: Josh Abraham
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