Pale Waves thrive on the conflict between their sound and their lyrics. The trio are bringing back 80s-style synth-pop with a vengeance, each moment of their tracks underlaid by sparkling synths and bubbly ambience. Pale Waves’ songs exist in their own bubble: each guitar riff or synth flutter is playful and inviting, drawing you into an impossibly upbeat and joyful world. It’s easy to get carried away by the cheerful ambience and dance along without even registering the words. But the vulnerable honesty of the lyrics and their tragic tone add a layer of depth to the otherwise-sugary pop. Lyrics such as “I would give you my body, but I’m not sure that you want me” and “I don’t wanna be alone on New Year’s Eve” lend a devastating sincerity to the tracks. Pale Waves serve up catharsis in each track: forlorn lyrics and downcast vocals give way in the face of the relentlessly sunny ambience and dance-inducing instrumentals. By the end of the track, you’ll be belting the lyrics at the top of your lungs, feeling contentedly bittersweet.
Favorites: “New Year’s Eve,” “There’s A Honey,” “Television Romance”
Similar to: DREAMCAR, Sundara Karma, The Night Café
The Offbeat 