WTSH Album Review:
Still Corners || Strange Pleasures
Reviewed by: Ellie Sleeper
If
Still Corners' debut, Creatures of an Hour, was a somewhat cold and frigid
whisper, their sophomore effort, Strange Pleasures, is a euphoric sigh. The
masterful confidence and ease is apparent, while the group still exhibits some
of their characteristic restraint. The pace is quite drowsy, but not without
energy. The duo is more enchanting than distant now, more dreamlike and
cinematic than ever before.
The
Londoners have no shortage of movement in their latest work; synthesizers sparkle
and swirl around every song. This increased energy is perhaps the most notable
improvement for Hughes and Murray. There is a tangible sense of purpose throughout
Strange Pleasures. That they bring a very organic and pastoral element to their
futurism is also thoroughly energizing. It stands in stark contrast to some of the
recent trends of cold, aloof, and disinterested delivery.
The
whole album is so solid that it is almost difficult to pick songs that stand
above the rest. "All I Know" plays well with repetition and features
a few syrupy guitar licks which greatly complement clever and uncommon touches
like harp melodies. "Beatcity" brings early synthpop and krautrock
instrumentation to a uniquely human place, and its chugging bass synthesizers
are a welcome breath of urgency. Album closer and title track, "Strange
Pleasures" positively smolders with soul and passion, and is also not to
be missed.
The
one misstep here is the oddly misplaced "Berlin Lovers." That it was also
chosen as a single is even more perplexing. While it is a good pop single and
is not at all a bad song, it is an incredible departure from every other number
on Strange Pleasures. The brassy, warbling synth hook can actually inspire some
discomfort if one is not expecting it, especially considering the restfulness
of everything that precedes it. "Future Age" suffers from a bit of
the same problems, but is more graceful and fitting.
Overall,
Strange Pleasures glows and flickers calmingly. Its science fiction psalms radiate
a very sincere warmth that listeners should find irresistible. It's a perfect
soundtrack for summer evenings, and a stellar addition to any album collection.
(Additional
note: iTunes offers an extended version which includes the bonus track "We
Have the Future on Tape" as well as a digital booklet.)
Overall
Evaluation:
9.75 or an A
Standouts: "All I Know", "Beatcity", and
"Strange Pleasures"
Goes
Great With:
The
XX
Mazzy
Star and Hope Sandoval
The
Chromatics
Beach
House
Kindest
Lines
