Catchy melodies and distorted guitars
Indie-rock artist Fake Palms recently released their third full-length album, Lemons. Fake Palms is the brain child of Michael le Riche, a Toronto-based one-man band, and his friends, Lane Halley of Hooded Fang on second guitar, Burning Love’s Patrick Marshall on bass, and long-time Slim Twig associate, Simone TB, on drums (Pitchfork). He wrote his most recent album from a pop-indie perspective leaning into catchy riffs, but he maintains his rock sound through distorted and layered guitars. He creates walls of sound on every track that makes the listener feel energized and excited for the next tracks.
The first track starts off the album with an energetic, retro-indie sound. Distorted guitars and filtered vocals create a retro sound that leans into rock by incorporating driving drums and racing guitar licks. The high-energy sound makes the listener want to get up and dance. The lyrics chant about a relationship that dwindled out, but the songs’ main energy and focus lie within the intricately layered guitars and upbeat melodies and beats.
The second track, “Visions,” was a single on the album and one of its most popular tracks. It maintains its high-energy sound through distorted guitars and chanted lyricism. This song is a little slower in tempo but still energetic. The use of guitars creates a summery surf-rock sound through catchy, upbeat riffs and licks. There are more lyrics in this track and they sing in a rhythmic chant about wondering if someone is anything more than a vision.
The fourth track, “Civil Liberties,” is another rhythmic guitar-heavy anthem. Led by a heavy baseline and low guitar riffs, the song is catchy and danceable similar to the others on the album. The song takes on a fuller sound behind the layered guitars; there is arpeggio on a synthesizer or harmonizing instrument that adds depth to the song. They sing about a relationship falling apart as they both try to remain civil, but it is not working. The song is intriguing both in terms of the lyricism and instrumentation.
The seventh track, “Flags,” is another high-energy rock song with piercing guitar licks and a steady rhythm that drives the song. The distorted guitars once again take the lead as they layer on top of each other to create a busy fullness. It is a very rock sound with a bouncy verse and distorted chorus. The lyrics are a bit difficult to focus on as they are almost overshadowed by the distorted and heavy instrumentation of guitars, drums and bass. The angry and energetic tone of the song is portrayed through the chanting rhythm of the vocals and the distorted, aggressive guitars.
The final track of the album, “Soft Fears,” is the most laid back track on the album. It is also heavily influenced by rock and carries the electric guitars onto this track, but the sound is more scaled back, and the vocals are given room to breathe. They sing about the passing of time and its influence on relationships. The chorus is still rhythmic with driving guitars and drums, but they are called back and at a slower pass. The vocals are given room to shine, and you can hear the expressiveness of their voice and the emotion in the lyrics, which makes “Soft Fears” unique from the rest of the album.
Overall, Lemons, is a catchy and high-energy album that is sure to keep listeners coming back.
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