ALBUM REVIEW: follow:noise – Superlove
Bristol-based trio SUPERLOVE made a name for themselves with the electronic pop-rock sound of their debut album, but with their second record follow:noise the aim is to change everything up. Seeing how their fans reacted to their rock sounding tracks live, they wanted to introduce more guitars and big choruses to their sound, specifically for live audiences. Looking to follow in the footsteps of some of the bands that initially inspired them, they cite LOWER THAN ATLANTIS as a main influence, and are using this second album to firmly establish themselves in the rock scene. When a band says that they finally feel as if they have found where they belong, it’s obvious the album will be a good one, and SUPERLOVE discuss trying to keep the pressure off and bringing the fun back into their music, something that is especially clear in their music videos.
The first thing to notice about the album’s opener You is how weirdly interesting it sounds, capturing an urgency that is then heightened by the guitars kicking in. From the beginning it’s clear SUPERLOVE have kept their unique sound, just with heavier rock instrumentals, and it’s difficult not to like. The vocals are strangely glitchy, and the chorus has a very pop-punk sound, making it easily memorable. The opening track eases listeners in, and the extra effects keep it interesting.
GO! starts with an intensive riff and a much darker sound that feels like a slight change of pace but works really well, with the heavier guitars and drums carrying the track. With a big chorus, it’s not hard to imagine this song translating well live. Next is Easier, a track that explains exactly why this band are called ‘noise pop’. Feeling like the perfect blend of rock style guitars and everything else pop, the deep lyrics with the upbeat instrumental make sense. While the verses can be slightly cheesy, the vocals are the highlight and they’re showcased really well here.
Big, catchy choruses are something SUPERLOVE do really well, especially on tracks like Something Good and Lifeline. Keeping an infectious positivity and consistently changing the pace and style, there really is something for everybody. Their new attitude of keeping the fun in their music really comes through, making some of the songs perfect for summer and festivals.
Upside Down feels like a song completely in its own league, and while it probably isn’t for everyone, it’s hard to deny how unique it sounds. With a weird, experimental mix of pop and rock, random breakdowns and an electronic element, it’s a track that either works really well and is extremely individual, or can seem kind of inconsistent. Either way, it’s worth a listen. As the album goes on, the last few songs are all pretty good, but there’s nothing that stands out as extremely interesting, and can feel just slightly repetitive. But, it still ends well, with Seasons having debatably the best lyrics on the album, and the outro acting as a slight throwback to some of their earlier songs.
While the album drops off slightly towards the end, follow:noise is still undoubtedly interesting, with an experimental but self-assured sound. SUPERLOVE wanted to establish their place in the rock scene, and this album certainly achieves that, proving they can be both entertaining and individual.
Rating: 7/10
follow:noise is out now via Rude Records.
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