(Exploding in Sound Records, out Fri 25 Oct 2019)
Brooklyn-based band, Water From Your Eyes, have been developing their post-punk style since 2016, but none of their previous albums are quite so unpredictable as Somebody Else’s Song. As one song leads into another which is completely different, the listener never really knows exactly what to expect.
The album starts out with the title track, which showcases the hypnotic guitar riffs of Nate Amos and the murmured voice of Rachel Brown. The vocals are reminiscent of some of the artists from the 90s, and seem to get stronger as the album goes on. From there, the transition to the second song, Break, is almost bizarre. Break is undoubtedly one of the most experimental songs on the album, with its robotic vocals and thumping, club-style beat. Paired with an unconventional run time of almost ten minutes, it doesn’t exactly make for easy listening. But the band is taking a risk, and they have to be admired for that. Whatever the song may be, it certainly isn’t boring, although it could perhaps do with being a little shorter.
Tracks such as Adeleine and Bad in the Sun have a discernible dance quality, making it easy to imagine them being a hit at clubs and concerts. This Is Slow somehow feels more personal, with its soft guitar and raw vocals. And Look and Look Again are at the more ‘out there’ end of the spectrum. They have a haunting, eerie quality of their own, completely different to anything else the band has produced.
Maybe it shouldn’t be surprising that the band is taking some risks on their third album. After all, the press release talks of personal growth and new beginnings, so a bit of experimentalism seems fitting. Somebody Else’s Song can only be described as a truly eclectic mix, jumping from dance tracks to songs that are much more acoustic and relaxed. The ability to produce an album that is versatile enough to be enjoyed both in clubs and in quieter moments at home is rapidly becoming a trademark of the band.