ALBUM REVIEW: Learn To Let This Go – The Losing Score
THE LOSING SCORE are a band that are sort of difficult to pin down in terms of genre. They have definitive influences from American Midwest emo and bands like MODERN BASEBALL, but could also definitely be influenced by the UK pop-punk scene. They’re a trio from Shrewsbury whose debut album Learn To Let This Go touches on themes of mental health and personal insecurities, while managing to keep a fun, upbeat sound.
Opening track Maybe If I Try Hard Enough is a good introduction to the band and the themes of the album. Listeners may be caught off guard by the experimental beginning, which sounds almost like a campfire song, but it quickly kicks in. The vocals are interesting and maybe not for everyone, but sound really emotional, which is a perfect quality on an album like this. Peachy Keen, Avril Lavigne was the first single on the album, and with this considered it isn’t the most memorable. It takes a while to get really interesting, but heavy drums drive the track through and it ends as a decent song. Junk Sleep is a bit of a change in pace, and is definitely one of the stronger tracks. There are dramatic changes in tempo, reflecting the lyrical content of the song as it discusses the ups and downs of mental health. This track stands out as it represents the frustration and desperation of mental illness really well, with the vocals building up almost to screaming. The abrupt ending cleverly leaves listeners unsettled, which is a good thing in this case.
In comparison to the emotional end of Junk Sleep, Post Credits Life is more upbeat, making it a different but fun song and proving the album can showcase a whole range of emotions. There are layers of backing vocals throughout, giving the song a more rounded, safe feeling. The outro is slow and careful, ending the song gently. Dream Of You is a little heavier in terms of instrumentals, but also more melodic at times, causing it to stand out on the album. The lyrical content of this song is romantic and deliberate, and the clearer vocals fit this perfectly. Brand New Person is immediately more moody sounding, reflecting its themes of mental health, and its sudden drop feels like an outburst. The lyrics especially stand out on this track, with its repeated use of questions and raw, honest lyrics. The ending repeats the beginning but with heavier guitars and drums, which somehow feels like a new level of understanding.
While the next few tracks are decent, the most memorable are the last three on the album. Delightfully Devilish has a very nostalgic energy, with the upbeat lyrics discussing friendship and choosing to prioritise your friends. This is a firm favourite as it’s so positive, and would definitely make an impact at a live show. Crawl is another really strong track, and is also very different from the rest of the album. Strangely, this song could fit into more of a folk punk category, with possible influences from FRANK TURNER. Crawl mainly touches on issues of self-esteem and masculinity, and at the end, the instruments quieten to emphasise the vocals. The last song, Calm Before The Storm, is more of a ballad, with melodic guitars to accompany the relaxed vocals. The vocals are layered during the chorus, creating an echo. The song ends with studio sounds of clapping and celebration, which suddenly feels very organic and personal. You hear the words, “I heard they’re just a three-piece,” which makes you appreciate the album just a little bit more.
On first listen, Learn To Let This Go isn’t the most unique album ever, but with more attention it’s clear a lot of emotion has been put into it, and it’s also pretty experimental. While definitely not for everyone, Learn To Let This Go is an enjoyable listen. For a debut album, THE LOSING SCORE have certainly made an impact and have a promising future ahead of them.
Rating: 7/10
Learn To Let This Go is out now via Counter Intuitive Records.
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