Posted by Spring is very nearly here and it seems like the perfect time to be playing Brighton band Orchard’s debut album ‘Lovecore’, since the indie quartet do a good line in fun, bouncy pop tracks.
‘Lovecore’ follows their 2018 EP ‘Losers/Lovers’, which was full of electrifying songs, summer anthems and fan favourites. Album opener ‘Sincerely Overwhelmed’ is a good example of how this vibe continues but with added depth – creating an upbeat atmosphere while simultaneously being lyrically raw and melodramatic.
‘Burn Alive’ follows in the band’s playful style. “I don’t wish sadness on you/ I just hope it rains when you get your hair cut and wear new shoes,” vocalist Lucy Evers sings sweetly, twinkly guitars paired with her powerful voice.
‘Girlfriend’ brings heavier rock-leaning stylings, with hefty drums and guitars building to create the darker, brooding mood. Evers sings resolutely, “I won’t be objectified by you”: this is alt-pop with a message. And it’s an important one, a reminder to put yourself first.
Meanwhile, ‘Stealing Your Sleep’ reverts back to the feel-good sound that the quartet loves, and ‘Magical Thinking’ has psychedelic inflections, exposing the band at what feels like their most vulnerable. The track was written about Evers’ struggle with OCD and depression, and musically it nods to the likes of Vampire Weekend and Bombay Bicycle Club.
There’s other variety to be found on the project too: ‘Social Sobriety’ is a sombre spoken word piece, while ‘Give Me’ bristles with confidence, seeing Evers’ vocals soar above it. In ‘History’, the band unleashes a post-punk sound, switching up the project’s tone and proving their versatility. ‘Lovecore’ is a very strong debut, packed full of bright moments.
7/10
Words: Narzra Ahmed
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