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Review Summary: A perfectly fine debut Alternative rock hasn't sounded this intense since Radiohead's Kid A dropped, and I'm all for it. From its early inception in the 80s, to its popularity in the 90s, and then to its mainstream appeal of the 2000s (leading to its downfall in the 2010s), the genre has seen a lot of things come across it. It's been far too long since we've had a genre-defining album that sets the bar high for all that follows. Indie rock has been doing its best to keep things fresh, but even the likes of Black Midi and their frenzied math rock can't match the sheer energy and aggression of Blondshell's debut album. But despite its longevity, the genre has struggled to maintain the raw intensity that made it so captivating in the first place. That is, until Blondshell burst onto the scene, pulling from the same innovative elements that made Radiohead's OK Computer and Dinosaur Junior such timeless classics. Blondshell is not breaking the mold at all, she is pulling from a lot of what made the genre so innovative back in the day, melding with the intricacies of indie rock adds more to the fire giant. Make no mistake, this is not a mold-breaking album. Rather, Blondshell has taken what works from the past and elevated it to a new level. Tracks like "Salad" and "Dangerous" showcase Blondshell's ability to blend hard-hitting instrumentals with introspective lyrics, a hallmark of both Black Country, New Road and Black Midi.
Blondshell's original guitar homages to alternative rock classics are supported by her wit and lyric writing. Just take the highlight song "Olympus": these lyrics evoke a sense of obsession, addiction, and destructive behavior that are all too common in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of Los Angeles. The city is known for its glitz and glamour, but also for the darker side of fame and success. The opening lines, "I'd still kill for you, I'd die to spend the night at your belonging," suggest a level of desperation and longing for someone or something that may not be healthy.
In many ways, Blondshell's debut album represents a synthesis of sorts, much like the dialectical process of Hegelian philosophy. Just as the thesis of traditional alternative rock gave way to the antithesis of indie rock, Blondshell's music seems to represent a synthesis of both, transcending the boundaries of both genres. The synthesis that Blondshell has achieved is not one of compromise, but rather a full realization of the potential of both alternative and indie rock. The result is a cohesive and dynamic album that is both innovative and familiar, pushing the boundaries of what the genre can be. In the end, Blondshell's debut album stands as a testament to the enduring power of alternative rock and the genre's ability to constantly reinvent itself into the same genre.
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Album Rating: 3.0
"Alternative rock hasn't sounded this intense since Radiohead's Kid A dropped"
That's a pretty huge statement that I don't agree with, but otherwise the review is good. I thought this album was pretty by-the-numbers, but pleasant/enjoyable.
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its a very sputnik statement to make
cuz if kid a had intensity it sure wasnt from the alt rock elements lmao
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Alternative rock has not sounded this intense in probably 20 years?I am all for it. Alternative rock (and indie rock for that matter) has had an extremely long, and at this point annoying, life span. From its early inception in the 80s, to its popularity in the 90s, and then to its mainstream appeal of the 2000s (leading to its downfall in the 2010s), the genre has seen a lot of things come across it. But one thing that always seemed to appear through the decades is the loss of energy and bite that the genre really started off with. Although this debut album from Blondshell is not breaking the mold at all, she is pulling from a lot of what made the genre so innovative back in the day. Plus, the melding with the intricacies of indie rock adds more to the fire. A fun-sounding and lighthearted (but aggressive) alternative rock album that will give you a run for your money.
| | | Album Rating: 3.6 | Sound Off
Alternative rock has not sounded this intense in probably 20 years?I am all for it. Alternative rock (and indie rock for that matter) has had an extremely long, and at this point annoying, life span. From its early inception in the 80s, to its popularity in the 90s, and then to its mainstream appeal of the 2000s (leading to its downfall in the 2010s), the genre has seen a lot of things come across it. But one thing that always seemed to appear through the decades is the loss of energy and bite that the genre really started off with. Although this debut album from Blondshell is not breaking the mold at all, she is pulling from a lot of what made the genre so innovative back in the day. Plus, the melding with the intricacies of indie rock adds more to the fire. A fun-sounding and lighthearted (but aggressive) alternative rock album that will give you a run for your money.
| | | Album Rating: 3.7
CUZ WE WERE NEVER VIOLENT
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Great record
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You’re making a very bold claim there. The fading of the genre's initial vigor and bite over time has been a consistent feature. While Blondshell's self-titled first album doesn't exactly tread new ground, it does borrow heavily from the innovations that made '80s pop so popular. the backrooms
| | | Album Rating: 3.7
what the frick is up with the black midi comparisons in this review
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Alternative rock has not sounded this intense in probably 20 years?I am all for it. Alternative rock (and indie rock for that matter) has had an extremely long, and at this point annoying, life span. From its early inception in the 80s, to its popularity in the 90s, and then to its mainstream appeal of the 2000s (leading to its downfall in the 2010s), the genre has seen a lot of things come across it. But one thing that always seemed to appear through the decades is the loss of energy and bite that the genre really started off with. Although this debut album from Blondshell is not breaking the mold at all, she is pulling from a lot of what made the genre so innovative back in the day. Plus, the melding with the intricacies of indie rock adds more to the fire. A fun-sounding and lighthearted (but aggressive) alternative rock album that will give you a run for your money.
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I mean shit that's why Olivia Rodrigo is sick af
| | | Album Rating: 3.7
Olympus thru Sober Together is incredible
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