A powerful, punky first release expressing relational problems of today’s youth

San Diego band The Inflorescence released their debut full-length album, Remember What I Look Like, on June 10th. Self-described as a “no man band” on the group’s bandcamp, their four members consist of only women and nonbinary individuals. Following initial single releases and a self-titled EP released in 2020, the band finally released a powerful full-length album. 

Across all 9 tracks, the band does an excellent job of tapping into punk sounds and themes that have grown in popularity as of late. Within this, artists sing over heavy guitar sounds that while aren’t necessarily tragic in nature, are contrasted with the discussion of more serious themes. 

“Phantom Feelings” speaks to a relationship in which one cannot help but fall out of love with their respective partner. The tune strikes a perfect balance between sounding sweet and upbeat and weaving in punk themes. It is the perfect auditory experience to match the lyrics, which speak to being exacerbated with oneself for not being able to stay close to their partner. 

“Are You Sorry” has a garage band feel, with the lyrics expressing frustration with a partner for being flippant and fading away, and not being willing to withstand poor treatment in a relationship. This theme is conveyed through the song title, asking their partner if they truly feel remorse for their poor actions. 

“Last Week” sounds much more melancholic than many of the other tracks. The song discusses the frustration with how quickly someone can change in a relationship and how frustrating it is that someone who one may think is their person may actually not be. “The Truth” has a sound that evokes imagery of a 2000’s movie in one’s mind while expressing similar sentiments to “Last Week.” 

“Remember What I Look Like” is a lyricless, guitar solo that switches from sad to angry—a common theme in the album— which in turn builds into the next track, “Tomorrow Night.” “Tomorrow Night” begs the question of when and how one can win over their partner, while acknowledging how difficult of a process it is. 

The ending track, “Board Game” contains the sounds of iPhone messaging over a low guitar strum, alluding to the way in which this generation tends to take part in a game-playing type of love. The lyrics convey this resentment by talking to someone who seems to have a lack of regard for one’s feelings, while also expressing the refusal to continue being treated poorly. 

All in all, the songs range in sound from mellow to upbeat, while all still ringing true to the sentiment echoed in the album’s title. The young band delivers a powerful, punky first release that is reminiscent of early 2000’s punk while expressing relational problems experienced by many young people today.