One thing I like with reviewing music is that every once in a while someone pops up on Messenger and whatnot, saying “hey, I got a album out, fancy listening to it and maybe review it?”. I always say yes. I love finding new music even though everything I get might not getting me aroused. And I don’t always find the time to actually write anything. But if I find the music interesting enough I make sure to follow the artist in question and the second time around I can plan on reviewing the music. Although, if the music is right up my alley and I dig it hard enough, I make sure to squeeze in a review just because I think the artist deserves to get acknowledged. Why this kind of introduction to this review then?
Well, this was exactly what happened when I discovered Indifferent. This Swedish four-piece consists of four youngsters from the suburbs of Gothenburg – lead vocalist Frida Hörnquist, who also handles bass-duties, guitarists Simon Hultbrand and Linus Mattsson and drummer Isac Borg – who has been combining school-work with music-making since 2011 something. Now realize that these guys are born in the beginning of the millennium which makes them in their late teens/early twenties. Quite impressing that they have been playing music since were toddlers. Well, not quite but you get my drift. The band released their debut album for streaming services a while ago but they have now also released it independently on vinyl – a limited edition, I might add.
The band opens the album with “Involuntary”, the single and what we’re treated with here is a mid-paced rocker that brings on some chunky rhythms, some delicate staccato riffing and a darker laden atmosphere both lyrically and musically. It’s a pretty heavy – yet melodic – number with a slight 70’s inspired structure but with a modern touch. It’s an instant tune and even though the chorus isn’t hit-laden as such, it still stays on after first spin. Great tune. The upbeat “Check Yourself” holds a verse in mid-pace but with chugging guitars and a rolling rhythm. There are vibes from both 80’s and 70’s Hard Rock rolled into one here but it also has a touch of Classic Rock with modern outlooks. The chorus takes a more uptempo road, bringing on a punchier edge with a whole bunch of melody-hooks and a direct melody. Very good.
With some slammin’ rhythms in the verses, “It Should Be Me” takes a swing at some mid 90’s melody-lines within the melancholic yet memorable refrain combined with some big pop-hooks and a more upbeat vibe. Lyrically, I get feeling the song is quite self-revelatory and naked which makes for a honest outlook. Good one. “Be With You” is pretty much a pop-song in a Rock disguise and quite straight-forward in its structure and the main-melody sticks like glue. The riffage is straight-up 80’s Melodic Rock, though and the hooks are distinct and effective, just like its chorus which is so catchy it hurts. Hörnquist’s vocal-melody is slightly wistful too which brings up the dynamics. This one needs to be a single because it has every potential to become a smash-hit both on rock-radio and mainstream dito. A killer!
The band goes for yet another turn with “Heat”, an upbeat and stompy rocker with some chugging guitars and rhythms, cleary metal-influenced. The tempo slows down some when the chorus hits but it never loses its edge because the gritty and heavy riffing continues to go right for the throat. On top there’s a whole bunch of striking and Melodic Rock friendly vocal arrangements – very catchy and direct, making the song linger in my head for quite some time afterwards. Very Good. “Unpredictable” is more bang-on-target Hard Rock, no fuss or frills. A straight ahead and steady rhythm and chunky guitars makes the song crunchy but there’s also a toned-down passage with drums and bass coming and guitars later on brings on a jamming vibe and the contrast makes the track more dynamic. It’s a good song but not as strong as its predecessors.
The title-track is mid-paced, heavy and darkening and the verses are more held-back yet with a punchy beat. The chorus goes into a heavier territory in a pensive soundscape but even though the tune comes across as slightly gloomy, it’s still very melodic and the melodies are quite addictive but it’s not hit-poppy in any way and goes more for emotion and depth. Great stuff. “Reflection” is a 40 second ballad intermission with only keyboards and vocals, low-key yet atmospheric which takes us into the closing track “Curtain Call”. Starting out laid-back and stripped as a ballad with only acoustic guitars and vocals, very heartfelt and emotive. The chorus brings up an atmospheric vibe but also takes a more upbeat turn. There’s also a somewhat folky touch, making the tear-jerking balladry exciting and unpredictable. With some distinct melodies and a contagious hook, the song goes for the win. Very good.
With the members’ ages in mind, this is a damn impressive effort. It’s a very strong record with well-written songs that feels very honest, especially the lyrics feels very personal and self-lived. Style-wise, this is not Metal, Hard Rock, Pop, Classic Rock or modern radio-rock but at the same time it’s all of the above. It might not be seminal but it’s really hard to pick out any influences which gives them an identity of their own. The production comes across as a bit budget at times but on the other hand, it really don’t bug me the least. At their age, if you manage to create a debut as good as this, to say their future looks bright is the understatement of year. Thumbs up.
P.S. Any chance of a CD release as well? D.S
8/10
Tracklist:
1. Involuntary
2. Check Yourself
3. It Should Be Me
4. Be With You
5. Heat
6. Unpredictable
7. Nocturnal Thoughts
8. Reflection
9. Curtain Call
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