Stanisland Magazine

The much loved group miss the mark in a genre bending album

The rock group returns with an alternative sound for their first album since 2016, The Painful Truth. The puncturing vocals of Skin, a wildly talented musician, returns to the helm as the group’s lead.

While this album is inviting to listen to, it falls short in many areas, mostly owing to a mismatch of vocals and sonics. However, there is a saving grace present, no thanks to a misguided attempt at genre-blending.

What The Painful Truth Sounds Like

The album is an exploration of authentic emotion, powered by a departure from their 1990s sound that has kept them breathing — though it opens with a chunk of nostalgia. It’s an interesting conception of rave-heavy ballads that fuse electro-pop (as heard on This Is Not Your Life) and bold musical experimentation.

Rather than remain within a pitcher of pigeonholes, the group branch out into territory that explores raw honesty, led by penned lyrics. This frees them to navigate alternate musical tapestries, as heard on Lost and Found, where piano keys are fashioned by a kiln of soft pop melodies — something that sounds like they ran out of ideas.

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Cheers picks the pace up, spurring a fast tempo of shaking percussion and riffing strings. Skin allows her vocals to roar before we jump into Shoulda Been You, which feels more natural and indicative of the group’s sound with continuity on the next track – Animal.

The Verdict

It treads into a punky, pop laden revival at times, with a rock tempo glazed with a synth-heavy layer of audio. But though it sounds ok, that’s about it. There isn’t a profound moment of musical sentiment, though Skin saves it with her incredible voice.

How to Stream and Where to Buy Vinyl

The new album is available on all major streaming platforms. Vinyl copies in varying colours, including purple, blue, crystal/mauve with white splatter, and red corona, can be purchased directly from the group’s website.