Posted by Manchester quartet Pale Waves inspires inclusivity and self-love with second album ‘Who Am I,’ by drawing frontwoman Heather Baron-Gracie’s life experiences and journey over the last few years.
Opening with the nostalgic, guitar-led ‘Change’, the 11-track production immediately establishes the pop-punk soundscape spread throughout the record. The emotive lyricism and powerful vocals of ‘Change’ flows seamlessly into more poignant offerings such as ‘Fall To Pieces’ and ‘She’s My Religion’ before the upbeat stylings of ‘Tomorrow’.
Emerging from a phase of growing pains and fitting perfectly into the mould of an awe- inspiring frontwoman, Baron-Gracie lays bare everything from depression and darkness to clarity and optimism with her mature songwriting. This is clear on ‘You Don’t Own Me’, where she shows she has come out of her struggles much more in love with herself than before. On empowering stand-out offering ‘Odd Ones Out’, she continues to establish a self-confident, defiant spirit that reminds people to embrace individuality.
Where ‘Odd Ones Out’, softens the album’s anthemic quality, with following track ‘Run To’ elevating the bigger sound, injecting energy into a sensitive exploration of mental health before stunning, piano-led title track closes the album with transparency and intimacy that gives listeners a deeply personal look into Baron-Gracie’s struggles and consequent acceptance of her identity and sexuality.
8/10
Words: Malvika Padin
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