British rock band Slowdive released its fifth studio album “Everything is Alive” on Sept. 1. It’s the band’s first album in 6 years and their second album since re-forming. Their unique and distinct sound remains the same even after more than a decade, with sounds mixed of rock, indie, and shoegaze throughout the album.
Fans new and old are raving about the new album online with hit tracks like “The Slab” and “Kisses.” The sound of the new album is calming and an easy-listen for people of all generations. The combination of both female and male vocalists Rachel Goswell and Neil Halstead creates a complex sound that entices many fans. With all of the members playing various instruments as well as half of the band singing, they all demonstrate experience and talent through the sound of their music.
“Kisses,” one of the most popular on the new album, explores the idea of seeking new experiences and fulfilling moments. Lyrics like “Living for the new thing, Sometimes the new won’t do” represents the feeling of always searching for something newer and better but never being satisfied. Later in the second verse they sing “Driving away from here, Taking all the ghosts, Is living with the truth, a start, Maybe it’s just enough.” These lyrics reinforce that trying to escape the mundane and the past is only a temporary relief, not long lasting happiness.
Lindsey’s favorite song on the album is “Alife.” The song “Alife” describes a relationship that is difficult and confusing. With lyrics like “We look but we don’t understand, we try but we don’t look around” Slowdive tells of miscommunication and disconnection throughout the relationship. The soft drum pattern and distant-sounding vocals throughout the song bring a sense of nostalgia and longing to the mood. The lyric “The town, there’s a memory of you” is especially relatable in the sense that it’s hard to forget about people and memories when you live where all of the moments happened. Especially in high school, this is a common occurrence for many and is relatable to people of all ages.
One of Jamorah’s favorites on “everything is alive” is the 6th track on the album, “Skin in the Game.” This song also describes a relationship, this one where the two parties struggle to express their true feelings. The lyrics “And I won’t know if you won’t say it now” reflect an insecurity in one’s feelings, lack of communication, and fear of coming face to face with the truth. This is relatable especially to younger age groups because of the virtual aspect of love that we now see in society. Forming relationships online creates a social barrier that can lead to overthinking and unsurity in relationships.
Overall, Slowdive’s new album exhibits a much older and wiser sound. Heavy guitar solos turned to softer, wispier melodies bring a much more mature taste to their discography. Some critics have found the new album boring in comparison to their older albums, but fans and listeners all over the world have been loving the shoegaze sound exhibited in the new record.
Although Slowdive’s music is relatable to younger audiences, as both the band members and their fans age the music keeps them all young, and as Pitchfork called them, “eternal youth”. The new record exhibits feelings that are considered more immature and childish portrayed through all generations. Even as the band ages, the music remains youthful and therefore is a perfect sound for people of all ages.
