Blondshell – ‘If You Asked for a Picture’ album review: Effortless continuations of an untidy heart
THE SKINNY: Blondshell is coming out of her comfort zone. Drawing inspiration from rock cornerstones like Queens of the Stone Age’s Rated R and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Californication, Blondshell toys with the frayed fabrics of what it means to adopt hyper masculinity in music with If You Asked for a Picture, revolutionising what she describes as spaces “reserved for men”.
Titled after the 1986 poem ‘Dogfish’ by Mary Oliver, If You Asked for a Picture captures a moment in time, defined by its own untidiness and uncertainties when it comes to having it all figured out. Rather than capturing the entirety of life itself and all the emotions that define it, the record thrives on its standalone singularity, tackling existence with honesty and modesty, underscored by an inexplicable layer of confrontational anguish.
The rawness of those quintessential masculine tropes also feels like a tool for criticism in a tongue-in-cheek, self-deprecating manner, with Blondshell poking fun as much as laying her soul bare—resulting in tracks that feel both starkly commanding and sonically refined. It’s a delicate tightrope to master, but one Blondshell does with ease, building up the success of her debut with an organic progression towards greater artistic confidence.
The kicker with If You Asked for a Picture comes within those less expected moments when the melodies or sounds are about to taper off, before they explode into beautiful soundscapes mirroring the ambiguity of life, love, loss, and heartbreak. These achievements feel like natural continuations of everything that made Blondshell great to begin with, with more emotional nuances to keep you hooked once again.
For fans of Wolf Alice and nighttime summer walks.
A concluding comment from a record store owner: “Nice, but lost interest around the track five mark.”
If You Asked for a Picture track by track:
Release: May 2nd | Label: Partisan Records | Producers: Yves Rothman
‘Thumbtack’: The melodically charming, subtly whimsical ‘Thumbtack’ pulls in all the quintessential elements of Blondshell’s appeal, drip-feeding notes of nonchalant reverie with biting quips about those who do us wrong. [3.5/5]
‘T&A’: Hotwiring The Rolling Stones’ signature poke at typical rock ‘n’ roll playfulness, ‘T&A’ charges forth with more fervour than the opening track, dancing between dynamic shifts to deliver an essential-listening indie tune. [4/5]
‘Arms’: Blondshell’s gritty structures and subtle overlays of rock sounds in ‘Arms’ are what initially warrant intrigue, carrying a rawness throughout that maintains momentum even in its more contemplative pacing. [3.5/5]
‘What’s Fair’: Blondshell’s ethereal grit shines through on ‘What’s Fair’, embracing the untidiness of a mind still trying to make sense of others’ actions and the emotions within her own soul. [3/5]
‘Two Times’: Blondshell’s vocal delivery takes centre stage throughout ‘Two Times’, showcasing her ability to contort her singing to the ambiguity of life’s shifting emotions, swirling in a beautiful concoction of the explosive and the serene. [3.5/5]
‘Event of a Fire’: The deceivingly idle mindset of reflection and contemplation defines ‘Event of a Fire’, with sonic reflections of what it’s like to lose recognition of the people we once were, even if the memories and haze of times gone by remain intact. [4/5]
’23’s a Baby’: The more rhythmically upbeat foundation of ’23’s a Baby’ gives the song a stronger sense of drive throughout, even if its slow build leaves you reaching for something a little more direct. The catchiness of the chorus makes up for it anyway. [3.5/5]
‘Change’: Blondshell knows how to do melancholy without seeming overly artificial or forced, meaning ‘Change’ emerges from a raw place, bolstered by an emotional clarity enhanced by the guitar work and broader technical precision. [4/5]
‘Toy’: Even as the album begins to taper off, this track feels like part of a broader conceptual exploration, with themes of control coming to the fore on ‘Toy’ through sonic mirroring of the feeling of losing grip on things you can no longer keep tabs on. [3.5/5]
‘He Wants Me’: Blondshell commands through vocals alone on ‘He Wants Me’, revealing a darker, post-punk side drenched in the tear-soaked stains of despair and lonely nights. [4/5]
‘Man’: A slightly less memorable tune let down by its own lack of familiarity or direction. Still, not entirely enough to fall completely flat. [2.5/5]
‘Model Rockets’: The perfect album closer, with dreamlike arrangements and a more overtly reflective tune, encompassing the broader appeal of the album and its messages. [4/5]
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