Bored at My Grandma’s House – ‘Show & Tell’ album review: a serene soundtrack
THE SKINNY: It’s not enough to be good at music. Sure, that’s a part of it. But in order to make a good album, it’s not just about being able to write a good song or play an instrument well. It’s about having the awareness to structure a record so that it doesn’t sound repetitive and not allow songs to overlap and contort into one another because of their similarities. Doing this while keeping a constant tone throughout an album is incredibly difficult, but we see Amber Strawbridge, AKA Bored At My Grandma’s House, deliver a masterclass in her new long player, Show & Tell.
The album is a beautiful piece of music that deals with a variety of different topics. All the tools are there for it to begin to sound repetitive, but Strawbridge has the ability to pace the album in a way that tracks are easy to distinguish from one another despite consistent cohesiveness throughout. This can be through synths being added, the removal of drums or her ability to word choruses so that they remain entirely separate from one another.
Show & Tell is a tranquil tale. Standout tracks such as ‘Heavy Head’ and ‘Imposter Syndrome’ are packed with vulnerability and feel like a privilege to listen to. The way songs go from soft to energetic, clean to distorted so seamlessly makes them sound like they were found in that state rather than created and put together. It’s one of the most naturally occurring LPs out there.
Strawbridge is a master at work throughout her new album, and it’s a treat to listen to from start to finish.
For fans of: Listening to music that ascends, tracks that assist in levitation and floating. The musical equivalent of that drink that Charlie has in Wonka’s Factory.
A concluding comment from Willy Wonka: You lose! Good day, sir!
Show & Tell track by track
Release date: June 14th | Producer: Alex Greaves | Label: CLUE Records / EMI North
‘Intro’: There is no questioning what this album plans to be the minute the introduction begins. Layering occurs from the first second; the foundations of ambience are set and built upon within moments. Strap in. [4/5]
‘Inhibitions’: Flowing on directly from the first track, a steady drum beat and running guitar riff see us into the first actual song of the album. It’s as layered as the intro promised as the vocals come in, sure of themselves, but a fragile delicacy there, too. The piece is catchy, as “inhibitions” is sung to a fun melody, unrelenting in its ability to crawl inside your head and stay there. That being said, it does feel like the track goes on for one chorus too long. [3/5]
‘Show & Tell’: Upbeat, major chords strummed and played over, easy to nod to. Strawbridge also shows mastery in the well-placed swear with this track, which is always a delight on an otherwise sweet-sounding indie song. [4/5]
‘Friendship Bracelet’: The introduction for ‘Friendship Bracelet’ features an exciting synth sound that almost mimics horns. Though it’s only early in the album, Strawbridge doesn’t fall into the trap of many other songwriters. Though her pieces certainly have a set tone, they are distinguishable, and it doesn’t sound like this record is repeating itself. [3.5/5]
‘Heavy Head’: A much more stripped-back number but nevertheless beautiful. It could be one of the most catchy songs on the album, a slight contrast with the gloomy message contained within the words. “I’ve got a heavy head, but there’s nothing left inside of me,” stick around long after the track has finished. [4.5/5]
‘How Do You See The World’: A gorgeous track but one that can quite easily get lost in those surrounding it. While the lyrics are profound, and the way the track builds and holds itself is nothing to be sniffed at, the song has nothing to separate it from others on the album. [3/5]
‘Like What You Bring Out In Me’: A song where the guitar work steals the show. The way the riff mirrors vocal melody but in a true rock n roll way is a lot of fun to listen to, inspiring hands in the air and non-stop dancing. [3.5/5]
‘Don’t Do Anything Stupid’: Strawbridge gives us some time to rest on this one. A track akin to ascending, the stripped-back and easy-going song fits beautifully in the album and feels like it comes at the right time. [3.5/5]
‘Imposter Syndrome’: The lyrics on this piece aren’t as complex as those we have seen throughout the album, but that only adds to the overall sentiment of the song. The repeated “I’m an imposter” gives us a momentary glimpse into the head of someone who doesn’t believe they belong. It’s equal parts solemn and jarring. Emotive music done beautifully. [4.5/5]
‘Moving Slow’: A questioning song, serene and thought-provoking. There are elements of hopelessness embedded into the track, which speaks of an empty mind but provides no resolution on how to fill it. [3.5/5]
‘We See The World In The Same Way’: The instrumentation of this track brings in elements of hope after ‘Moving Slow’ almost stole them away. The glimmering guitar line and upbeat melody scream for summer in every second. [3.5/5]
‘Hide & Seek’: A calm outro that puts a full stop to this album. One that has a consistent tone but plenty of versatility and is a joyous listen from start to finish. [3/5]
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