There are bands that effortlessly fit into neat musical compartments, their sonic identity instantly recognizable, a label easily affixed. Then there are those elusive entities, the ones that defy categorisation, weaving a tapestry of eclectic influences that sets them apart from the predictable churn of the musical landscape. Degrees, dear reader, fall into the latter category.
The ethereal enchantment of You Don’t Know What Love Is opens the gateway to their sonic universe, where vocals transcend their conventional role, morphing into instruments that weave a tale beyond the mere confines of language. Hereafter, the band embarks on a journey that traverses a rich tapestry of musical influences, crafting a narrative that defies simplistic definitions.
In the rhythmic pulsations of Shake Shake Shake Shake, the alchemy of alt-rock, art-rock, and electronic nuances intertwines seamlessly, giving rise to a potent blend of synth-laden grandeur and widescreen cinematic fervour. Yet, beneath this intricate sonic tapestry lies an infectious pop sensibility and an inviting groove, an amalgamation that embodies the very essence of a shoegaze soul, one that could have, perhaps, reshaped the contours of the mainstream had its destiny taken a divergent path. Imagine the contemporary musical panorama had it succumbed to such sonic enchantment. The mind boggles at the possibilities.
Dear Diary emerges as a testament to the band’s prowess in the art of the slow burn, a meticulously crafted ascent that culminates in a triumphant, cathartic crescendo. Floods are balladic and anthemic simultaneously, and A Little Too Well stands as a grand, triumphant finale, an exultant anthem that demands fists raised and voices united, a crescendo that every musical ensemble aspires to possess.
Pt. V stands as a testament to the multifaceted nature of the human experience, evoking a spectrum of emotions ranging from the boisterous to the serene, from the rousing to the contemplative, all interwoven with a poignant, life-affirming grace. But above all, it boasts a collection of great songs, each a testament to the enduring power of musical resonance, reminding us that, at the end of the day, it’s the music that truly matters.
