Past Lives - Against the Current (Album Review)

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Against The Current: Past Lives - Streaming Now

It's coming up on three weeks since Against the Current released their second studio album, 'Past Lives,' and in those three weeks, it is rare that there's a moment in which I don't have one of the songs from it stuck in my head.

This album is infectiously good.

I would consider this album a labour of love, considering the amount of work that went into its creation, with reportedly forty songs having been written for it. (However, it should be observed that this figure has come from Chrissy Costanza's twitter and may have been a joke/exaggeration.)

The eleven track album has a markedly different sound and style to its predecessor 'In Our Bones,' which is more of a "dark pop" album that "pointed the finger [of blame]," whereas, 'Past Lives' is "introspective," and the emotion behind the lyrics really shows this change.

Opening with the song 'Strangers Again,' a slower paced and light track, very much revealed ATC's commitment to its more 'grown-up' sound, where the lyrics to the song are more at the forefront than a punchy guitar riff or pounding drum beat.

Following this with 'The Fuss' and 'I Like The Way,' two very punchy and upbeat songs, however shows that the band are not entirely ignoring their more energetic style and the juxtaposition between the lighter notes that dominate in this album with the band's more traditionally upbeat notes are mixed perfectly in these two songs.

'Personal' again is very different. One of the first tracks on the album to be released, this song remains the lynchpin of the album. Its very personal lyrics and emotional instrumental moments are almost the bleeding heart of the band being revealed. This song feels less like music and more an outpouring of emotion and love. It's poetry.

The middle two tracks of the album are diometric opposites. 'Voices' is, I think, my favourite track on the album, its very bass heavy instrument usage gives the impression that this song is more upbeat than it is, however you can very clearly make out every word of the lyrics - a very clever song. Whereas 'Scream,' is my least favourite on the album. It's not a bad song by any means, and it fits in very well within the new style of this album, I'm just not a fan of the 'scream' in the chorus.

The next three songs, 'Almost Forgot,' 'P.A.T.T,' and 'Friendly Reminder,' reinforce how well designed the album structure is, with the songs strong messages of self-love lined up next to each other and their more upbeat tempos compliment each other well.

Finally, the last two songs on the album, 'Come Alive' and 'Sweet Surrender.' Again, we come to another song that I don't think is as strong as the rest of the album, 'Come Alive,' is forgettable and just doesn't stand out as much as the other do, however it does compliment the album well. Finishing with 'Sweet Surrender,' is a nice message to give to the fans, as it implies that the album is no longer just the band's - it is everyone's.

As a personal aside, I saw Against the Current in Leeds, and heard some of the songs I have mentioned performed live - this was a week before the entire album was released. As good as the album is (and if you haven't properly read my review, then basically its amazing,) it is a hundred-fold better when you see it performed live. The energy Costanza brings to the stage, the emotion behind the lyrics that you can physically see and hear... It turns this beautiful, soulful album from music to perfection.

I'm aware this is a biased review, but as I have previously stated, I don't believe anyone can write anything that is completely objective.

Therefore I feel no qualms in saying that 'Past Lives' is my favourite album of 2018 and I'm extraordinarily excited to see what Against the Current bring out next. Roll on 'Past Lives' Tour Part 2!

-The Act of Writing-

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