Hailing from Rochester, New York, former Sonic Youth member Kim Gordon returns with her album The Collective, an at times lyrically confusing album accompanied by sonically daring and distorted production. On the opening track “BYE BYE,” Gordon wastes no time in immersing you in a world of distorted 808s and heavy use of trap beats. The beat is an impressive fusion of rock and trap music, however the delivery and lyricism slightly tarnish the quality of the song. Throughout the song she references different items with lines such as “Sleeping pills, sneakers, boots, black dress,” all presumably things she has been parting ways with.

The album proceeds to gradually lean into the distortion as each track develops. However, it keeps its trap influence with the inclusion of elements such as the classic 808 cowbell in the second track “The Candy House.” There is another track where the lyrics are hard to interpret with lines such as “Drywall for days… But don’t turn on the water.” What makes the album great, at times contributes to its faults, especially towards the middle of the album with tracks such as “Its Dark Inside.” The distortion leaves the vocals nearly indiscernible in the background with noise in the forefront.

Track 10, “The Believers,” puts Gordon’s creativity on full display, switching between cyberpunkesque industrial instrumentals to futuristic rock music accompanied by some of the most innovative percussion on the project. The drums on this track cut right through the mix using sounds reminiscent of someone beating a metal beam with heavy distorted bass under it.

This sort of innovative percussion is displayed in track five, “Trophies,” as well. The rhythm is unlike anything else on the project, the drums themselves would blow out car speakers. Also, the use of the electric guitar in this song is an example of how less is at times more. The lyrics on this track use vaguely revealing language, with lines such as “Stick your fingers in the holes, gotta have ’em on side.” It can be hard to interpret exactly what Gordon is talking about.  

The album shines brightest when it embraces simplicity, as exemplified by “Shelf Warmer.” This track stands out as a favorite due to its spacious production, allowing Gordon’s vocals to take center stage and carry the song with her distinctive flow. Despite occasional instances where the album is predominately noise and distortion, Kim Gordon’s creativity shines through in “The Collective.” It is a carefree project that effortlessly blends genres, showcasing Gordon’s mature yet playful approach to music. Her ability to seamlessly fuse different sounds creates a unique and futuristic atmosphere, solidifying her status as a true innovator in her craft.