2019 is proving to be the year of musical plot twists and Emarosa is dishing out one of the most unexpected curveballs yet.
Rather than creating the album that Emarosa fans expected to hear, the band gave us the album they wanted to make. They turned the tables from their conventional post hardcore tunes to create a groovy, upbeat pop album. Before you turn around and run the other way, let me reassure you that Peach Club is full of raw emotion, substance, and depth. This isn't Emarosa's way of selling out; in fact, they found their passion and their spark again.
The lyrics are heart-wrenching and the retro-made-modern musical accompaniments provide a lovely contrast. Vocalist Bradley Walden has done a swift job of delivering strong vocals intertwined with personality and power.
The change of pace shouldn't come as a complete shock to anyone. Since the introduction of Walden, amongst other lineup changes, every album was a departure getting further from the band's original sound. Although 131 and Versus were great albums with some of my favorite songs, they didn't have a "wow" factor to make listeners turn their heads. Peach Club seems like the album that they were striving to reach. They have my undivided attention now.
Favorites:
Cautious - This was the first single they shared before the official release that grabbed my attention and didn't let go. From the first note, my eyebrows raised and I couldn't help but smile. The soaring melodies are empowering and thrilling from start to finish. This is the star of the album.
So Bad - We've all been there...missing the person we love. Relatable lyrics and a vibe reminiscent of your favorite 80's pop gods? That is a recipe for success.
Don't Cry - I imagine listening to this song while I drive through the neon lights of a city in a convertible with my hair blowing in the wind. Is that very specific? Yes..and that is why I love this song; it brings specific emotions and imagery along with it. The retro beats and falsettos set this one apart from the rest.
Least favorites:
Get Back Up - Cautious is a tough act to follow and if you listen to the album in order, this one is up next. It felt lackluster by comparison to the other tracks and left me wanting more. This one is a little too low-key and repetitive for my taste.
Comfortable - I enjoy the floaty, spacey energy of this song but it started to drag on after about two minutes. This ballad didn't hit my heartstrings the same way xo did. There were some powerful moments but ultimately it seemed lackadaisical amongst its counterparts.
Aside from the musical ingenuity of Peach Club, the imagery and marketing was meticulously done too. All of the artwork coincides together beautifully and the theme works exquisitely to accompany the music. I adore the comic book inspired cover art that provides a gorgeous aesthetic to coincide with the music's nostalgic energy.
Emarosa's confidence and excitement for Peach Club is palpable; their steadfast determination towards releasing the best pop album of the year is making me believe in them too. The genre is a competitive battlefield but I have no doubt that they will continue climbing to success if they keep up the momentum that they are building.
We are all invited to join the Peach Club so grab a spot and brace yourself for the most heartfelt, catchy, and fierce pop anthems our scene has ever heard.
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