Four guys from Liverpool sound more confident, mature and powerful on their second full-length album, just as the frontman Keiran Shudall wanted and teased in the media. There are no more pop hits for the sunny summer days on the beach; no more explicit lyrics and unbothered guitar riffs. Circa Waves decided to orient towards a darker tone, complex and fervent melodies, while the progress is especially evident when it comes to lyrics.
The opening track and the promotional single Wake Up represent rock in the purest form and it speaks in defense of my previous statement. The following Fire That Burns is presented as the second single, and although it is written late, it manages to be the best track on the record, due to its catchy, hot chorus.
Goodbye brings the energy and the atmosphere of Queens Of The Stone Age, and Out On My Own is a substantial rock ballade examining the theme of male depression. The title track is a throwback to their debut Young Chasers with its summer guitars and dance rhythms. The playful sonic vibe is confronted with severe narrative regarding migration crisis, which is a topic many artists seem to dedicate their work to.
Making up as you go
You go and close our borders
But who gave you my point of view
My point of view
Crying Shame is in a similar, laid back manner, while Love’s Run Out gives us a peak into a romantic side of the author. The third single Stuck delivers epic bass sections, congruent to the theme of everyday monotony. A Night On The Broken Tiles is another tune that will win over everyone who goes to their concert.
The song that has the most potential to become a summer jam is Without You, a song supported by killer drums and infatuating guitar solo. The album closes with Old Friends, probably the only downtempo number in this collection.
Since I have covered almost every song off this album, I guess it is a pretty decent one. Kudos to Circa Waves!
