A retro journey that holds back

Bottler’s debut LP titled Journey Work is their first major project since their 2020 EPs Clementine and Grow. Journey Work’s eleven tracks make for a large showcase of what Bottler has to offer, yet following the roughly forty-five-minute listen, it’s hard to determine what this Brooklyn duo is shaping up to be. While there is an obvious retro house and techno feel to their project, it all feels like it’s been done before, creating a serious lack of memorability. Journey Work is at its best when it can develop over time rhythmically within a song, creating something new or engaging. There is some real heart and creativity driving songs that force the listener to acknowledge the sounds present. Where there is originality lurking, the other tracks feel generic and unthoughtful.

The album’s introductory track “Home” has a slow introduction, but when it unveils the synths and low electronic drums, the track beings to settle in and shine. The lyrics, while rather simplistic, match with the 8-bit synths and squeezes themselves nicely within the track. The song ends rather abruptly, expecting a further change of sound or pace within the song rather than its end. There is a real tonal shift in the following track “Chrysalis,” as it incorporates a rather smooth bassline and drums— but that’s about it. If only the jazz elements were accentuated within the track could there have been something noteworthy.

“Melatonin” is a perfect name for the following track as it truly puts listeners to sleep. The vocals on both “Melatonin”—and the album as a whole for that matter—are afterthoughts, often echo sounds or soft tones, all slapped on top of beats that don’t work to highlight them. While “Melatonin” feels like a Rüfüs Du Sol knockoff, “Hot Water” is even worse. Poor lyricism and boy band-esque vocals shake off any vibrance and likability in the electronic sounds.

“Vinyl” has a likability in its dance roots and differentiated lyrical tone. The chorus on “Vinyl” has a club feel that matches perfectly with the dark synth. A variety of distortions, and early 2000’s electronic elements mold “Vinyl” into a standout. The longer, more ambitious tracks like “Tacoma” or “Weed” are also highlights. Both tracks take the time to explore different electronic sounds without derailing. It’s easy to see why “Tacoma” is a highlight single. There is a lot to love within its six-minute run time, from its mysterious piano and building electronic drops. The track feels like its shifts in sound are earned, flowing ever so brilliantly into one another without jolting listeners across its run time.

The powerful twists and turns of “Tacoma” could have been incorporated in other tracks, such as “Mako.” While “Mako” highlights vocals the most out of any track, they often don’t ramp up to any emotion or brightness. “Mako” could have bellowed out some beautiful emotional harmonies layered with bright electronic sounds, but the beat’s tempo is off-setting any closeness and likability to its lyrical elements.

“Cicada Rhythm” fits more in tune with the house and dance styles explored on tracks like “Vinyl.” The rumbling bass, soft piano, nature samples and drums separate the song from others and form a nice closing. “Cicada Rhythm” feels quite separate from the other track sounds, making it hard not to question not only its place in the album, but the album as a whole.

Journey Work feels more like a compilation of singles rather than a full project. At times there is recognizability in its influences and ideas that hurt its ability to separate itself from others. Highlights in Journey Work stand out due to the ability to progress and highlight those sounds that breed influence. While the project showcases the capability to stand out, there is still much Bottler has to work towards to shape up something defining for both their artistry and their audience.