Wait, come again? We’re right at the end of May already? Well, time sure goes by fast, doesn’t it? Speaking of time, I will nonchalantly be using this opportunity to segue into a record that is as curious about the passing of time as I am. Readers, Everything Is Noise is delighted to premiere the return of Thee More Shallows with their fourth full-length release Dad Jams, an experimental indie pop record that is as colorful and vivid as it is also an invitation to reflect upon where we were before and where we’re standing right now.
With a span of fourteen years between this release and their last, it is expected – and maybe even inevitable – that all the experiences gained throughout all those years would end up being transmitted onto this new record. Frontman Dee Kesler further comments on this time gap:
‘For me, that meant raising kids, making music for TV and film, and incrementally earning some hard-won peace of mind. My body has (to quote my doctor sister) sclerosed, and my impulses have slowed down enough to do a weak impersonation of wisdom, but I still feel like the same person who helped make those old records.’
Interestingly enough, Dad Jams (which I find hilariously and aptly titled, mind you) manages to capture these retrospective train of thoughts with such passion and genuinity, that you can’t help but to position yourself in the shoes of the characters embed throughout album. The first two songs “Ancient Baby” and “Mummy at the Lake” are so lively in its layout, with thriving percussions and colorful synths that evoke nostalgia and a succinct longing for the good times.
Conversely, tracks such as “Copy Body” and “Hey, Come On!” welcome the doubts and fears that accompany these moments of introspection through eerie yet chill industrial-influenced indietronica and lush instrumentals. The way both songs flow and build up on their own can be quite unsettling and melancholic, but real nonetheless, and I believe that such realness is what makes Dad Jams a truly entertaining listening experience.
Frankly, there is something for everyone here. Dad Jams is multifaceted in its sounds and moods, all the while making sure that it does not lose sight of the commonalities found in looking back and reflecting upon the now. Dig deep enough, and you’ll notice how Thee More Shallows returned with an album that is mature, authentic, and sure of itself.
If this album is right up your alley, why don’t you go ahead and support the band by
pre-ordering the album (out on May 28)? Also make sure to visit and follow their
Twitter and
Instagram pages for any future updates!
