From bombastic love declarations to the cold-hearted “I just don’t wanna be alone”, Pale Waves’ EP is full of brutal honesty.
Like many runway shows this fashion week season, Pale Waves’ All The Things I Never Said EP is stacked with 80’s references – from the sleek hooks to the grand romantic gestures.
With heartfelt lyrics that take us through the bitter-sweet landscape of romance, Pale Waves’ debut EP makes you wish you were young and in love. With melodies carefully crafted to cater for every soaring drip of passion, the four-track release is a modern rendition of all the best 80’s soundtracks.
The melodies are soaked in glossy guitar, a pop-rock move that is well known by now, yet Pale Waves do manage to bring a new twist to the game. With moments of fizz and musical eloquence, the quartet is certainly on their way to something very real.
Singer Heather Baron-Gracie’s sweet vocals will have you on the edge of your seat. She will also break your heart whilst simultaneously make you wish you were on the receiving end of all her lyrics. The striking intimacy is one of the factors that draws so many fans to the band, and it is easy to see why. The emotional investment in the story-lines is so capturing, it almost makes up for the slightly too monotone soundscape.
The change of pace for ‘Tide’ and ‘Heavenly’ is refreshing, however, the musical capability is so on point it makes you yearn for more diversity.
Point is, even with this sleekness and honesty, Pale Waves need to show more. Both when it comes to musical diversity and guts. The polished pop works amazing, but the group also need to lose the control and really indulge in their music. So, Pale Waves, go a bit crazy, you might make something amazing, and if not, you have a pretty solid formula as it is.
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Pale Waves’ All The Things I Never Said EP is available to download and stream now.
Words by Aurora Henni Krogh
