ALBUM REVIEW: Tuesday. Nothing Exists. – Grave Goods
GRAVE GOODS‘ debut album covers topics such as sexual freedom and rewriting narratives that have been pushed on us. The English/Irish trio are made up of past and current members of PINS, GIRLS NAMES and SEPTEMBER GIRLS. Their sound is very unique: it is abrasive, uncomfortable and minimal. However, their debut is notably short, offering just seven tracks as opposed to the ten or eleven most debuts opt for. However, it is this unconventional approach to music that makes GRAVE GOODS so interesting. But will Tuesday. Nothing Exists. hold up to this interesting approach to music?
Come is the opening song. Right off the bat, it is clear that GRAVE GOODS are something different. The spoken word delivery contrasts with the harsh instruments. There is also a constant tapping throughout the song that sounds like a ticking time bomb. Lyrically, the song is all about sexual liberation, which is nothing new. However, the unique delivery makes up for it.
Whilst Come stops abruptly, Source picks things up again. This time, it starts off with a guitar riff that continues throughout the song. This song is a stark contrast to the previous song, as it is a funky and upbeat song. That is what happens throughout the album. Each song sounds different whilst also sounding cohesive as a body of work. Whether that is the heavy bass tone of Miles or the upbeat rock of Story, each song is different. That’s what makes this album so unique. Not many debut albums get their sound right.
However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any issues. For example, whilst the spoken word delivery of the songs is unique, it does get a little tiresome. After a while, it sounds like the vocalist isn’t putting any effort in. Furthermore, the album itself is extremely short, and it doesn’t help that all of the songs themselves are quite short. This also further emphasises the supposed lack of effort, as do the sparse instruments.
On the other hand, the album does also have excellent pacing. Whilst time flies by when you listen to the album as a whole, none of the songs sound rushed. The production is fantastic, and ensures that each song does not drag. Furthermore, each song on the album sounds individual and unique.
In conclusion, GRAVE GOODS‘ debut album is good. However, it is plagued by a few issues. The album itself is only seven songs long, and therefore feels like it should’ve been an EP instead. Furthermore, the spoken word monotone delivery of the lyrics gets a bit boring after a while. However, the pacing and production are interesting. There are some interesting ideas on this album, such as the way the band don’t use that many instruments, but after a while even this gets tiresome. It is a shame, because it is a good thing to see a band try something new on their debut album. However, Tuesday. Nothing Exists. feels a little too ambitious.
Rating: 6/10
Tuesday. Nothing Exists. is out now via TULLE.
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