On the 12th of August, Pale Waves are set to release their third album. Is it their best yet? Laura Mills finds out…
The album opens with an intense track in the form of ‘Lies’, released earlier this year. It’s cool, it’s sensational. The transition between the pre-chorus as Heather sings ‘but I’m in over my head’ is guided by a steady riff moving into a marching style beat from drums with Heather singing ‘You called it love / But it never had that feeling / Ripped out my heart / And left it bleeding’ makes you want to rush.
Throughout this one, the instrumental never falters. Each guitar riff is grittier than before, the drums keep it all in check while still providing this heavy sound. Combined with these, relatable lyrics bound to resonate with any listener makes this track the perfect album opener.
Next up is ‘Unwanted’.
The electric sound created takes me back to the 90/00’s rock, seeing visions of Blink 182 and Green Day. Heather’s liquid-like vocals raced around my mind every now and then transforming between the form of Hayley Williams and Avril Lavigne but with her own signature sound engraved into the track, too.
‘The Hard Way’ slows things down for a minute. Starting ballad-like and transforming into that 00’s rock teen angst style to finish.
‘Jealousy’ is intense but so sexy and sleek, too. Opening with a piercing riff awaking the soul and paired with Heather’s powerful but slightly seductive vocals make it an intensely great pleasure to hear. How can a rock song seduce you? God knows, but it f**king does.
‘Alone’ is relentless including such an impeccable breakdown.
‘Clean’ has so many soulful riffs and then we strip things back into ‘Without You’.
THEN ITS ENERGY, ENERGY, ENERGY WITH ‘Only Problem’. There’s a clattering, driving force straight from the drums into these gruelling guitar riffs.
‘You’re So Vain’ opens with another gruelling riff with these catchy playfully sung lyrics and the chorus is so heavy. The layering in this track is pristine. Pale Waves pushing directly into my veins.
‘Reason To Live’ is just classic Pale Waves. Contrasting next up is ‘Numb’, mirroring Avril Lavigne’s ‘When You’re Gone’.
‘Act My Age’ YES YES YES. It’s slightly pop rock seemingly influenced by The 1975 but with a big splash of Paramore. Heather’s vocals claim it all and stamp that Pale Waves signature sound all over the track.
Last but definitely in no way least, ‘So Sick (Of Missing You). A great end to a great album.
This is Pale Waves third album. Is it their best yet? Yes, no doubt about it.
Image: Katia Temkin
