ALBUM REVIEW: The Rest Is Distraction – Girls In Synthesis
London experimental post-punk group GIRLS IN SYNTHESIS have just released their sophomore album The Rest Is Distraction. Described as an “even darker, more sonically intense release than their debut, taking its cues from SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES, BRANIAC and CRASS, among others“, this record has some high expectations surrounding it.
The band’s claims of this album being a “challenging, but extremely thrilling listen, both musically and lyrically” are not completely unjustified, as this is both thrilling and challenging musically. Lyrically, however, it doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Formed in 2016, GIRLS IN SYNTHESIS comprises of John Linger (bass / vocals), Jim Cubitt (guitar / keys) and Nicole Pinto (drums). Even with only three members, The Rest Is Distraction is very instrumental-heavy, with long intros and frequent breaks in vocals. Thankfully, the instrumentals are enjoyable – but it does make any lyrical storyline much harder to follow.
Considering the deep, emotional storyline that the band say is behind the track My Husband – written from the angle of someone living with a physically abusive partner – the song itself doesn’t portray the anguish and emotional trauma that you would expect. Does that make it a bad song? No, but it does mean that it just doesn’t quite hit the target – and that’s okay.
Undeniably the best track on the album is the opener It’s All Beginning To Change; it has the perfect balance between the instrumental and lyrics along with the right amount of distortion on the vocals to ensure the lyrics are still understandable whilst still matching the music.
Overall, The Rest Is Distraction isn’t groundbreaking, but it is enjoyable. It’s one of those releases that you can listen to in playlists but wouldn’t sit and give it your full attention. It definitely has all of the makings of a cracking live show, as the solos paired with great showmanship could make for much better entertainment live than on a recording.
Rating: 6/10
The Rest Is Distraction is out now via Own It/Cargo Records.
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