ALBUM REVIEW
09/10/2024 - Pale Waves, smitten
Source: Pale Waves Album Imagery for Smitten
Words By Emily Jade Ricalton
Forming in 2014, Pale Waves are a four-piece indie group from Manchester. Consisting of band members Heather Baron Gracie, lead-vocalist and guitarist, Ciara Doran, drummer, Hugo Silvani, guitarist, and Charlie Wood, bassist, the band have been famously known for their soft-indie sound.
Romantic and dreamy, Pale Waves signed to Dirty Hit records in 2017 and later on went to release their first debut album My Mind Makes Noises in 2018. With the album debuting their hit There’s A Honey, the indie band received highly rated reviews and an established sound that would last them for years to come.
Following the success of their first album, the band went onto release two more albums in both 2021, Who Am I?, and 2022, Unwanted. With tracks like She’s My Religion and Change dominating the indie scene, the four-piece definitely became a household name within music. Having been compared to The 1975, there was no doubt that this band would grow from strength to strength within the indie scene.
Establishing a sound that is both delightful and charming, Pale Waves have always been influenced by their romantic lives and a public awareness of LGBTQ+ rights. Having been praised for their openness about same-sex relationships, their new album Smitten certainly does not shy away from these themes. Confident and sweet, this album is a true representation of the music that Pale Waves have created for themselves.
Opening with the track Glasgow, the second-released song from this album, we are reminded as to why we love Pale Waves as a band so much. Reminiscent of their earlier work, Glasgow is an ode to heartbreak, yet one that is happy and joyful. A perfect introduction to Smitten, this track offers a positive outlook on a topic that is usually sad. The ideal heartbreak song if I don’t say so myself.
With Glasgow setting up this album very well, Not A Love Song further expands upon these themes of love – even though the title says otherwise. With an exciting guitar that gradually builds throughout the introduction of the song, this track resembles a noughties hit. It’s fun, bubbly and extremely catchy. With rhyming lyrics and repeated phrases, this song encompasses what a pop song truly should be.
With themes of heartbreak on the high, Thinking About You is whimsical and enchanting. The music to this track is engaging, yet relaxing. It’s almost nostalgic in a way that suits the entire theme of this song. Thinking About You sets this album at the pinnacle of 90s soft rock. With this, the lyrics are also well-executed and refined. Phrases like ‘I learned your body like it was my own’ suggests a strong sense of admiration, one of which makes it relatable to listeners. It’s definitely the perfect song to take a late night drive to.
The album then transitions seamlessly into Perfume, highlighting Pale Wave’s strong development within sound production. Growing as a band, the track reflects upon their early years. Perfume is reminiscent of There’s A Honey and Television Romance. Without a doubt, Perfume will become a fan favourite. With the early indie scene at an all time low, it is refreshing to receive a reminder that the scene is definitely not dying out and that this genre will still remain popular for years to come.
The next track, Last Train Home, stays true to this genre. Charming and idyllic, this track is slower in comparison to other pieces on Smitten. The lyrics are passionate and romantic. With phrases like ‘she’s a secret I kept all along’, the song stays true to Pale Waves’ roots. By following themes of LGBTQ+ relationships, Last Train Home reminds us as to why Pale Waves are unique as a band. They are open and honest about modern love, making them admirable in so many ways.
With this, Hate to Hurt You is a standout track from Smitten. Melodical and happy, this track is the perfect break-up song. Exploring themes of regret and remorse, Hate to Hurt You touches upon the doubt that someone might feel when facing a break-up. With love songs usually being aimed at one side of the relationship, it’s interesting to see Pale Waves explore all elements of these themes. With a playful track and uplifting beat, this song is definitely one of the best from the album.
Pale Waves’ new album is definitely one to listen to, especially if relationship struggles are your forte. Whilst exploring all aspects of romantic love, this album is fun, happy and uplifting. Smitten definitely shows progress within Pale Waves as a band. With more refined lyrics and a maturity that we haven’t seen before from their music, this album stands out from their discography whilst also being so undeniably Pale Waves.
Standout tracks – Hate to Hurt You, Kiss Me Again, Thinking About You
Rating - 4.5/5
