Our Girl – ‘The Good Kind’ album review: a mixed bag
THE SKINNY: There are some bands and artists you hear who champion one specific aspect of their music over all else. For some, guitar takes a front seat; others focus on rhythm, and others on vocals. All these different aspects of music can be exciting, but the best way they manifest is by coming together. A good example of that happening is on the new Our Girl indie album, The Good Kind.
The record kicks off on a weak note as the opener, ‘It’ll Be Fine’, despite being a nice-sounding track, falls into the standard remit of sweet-sounding singer-songwriter music. It’s good, but it doesn’t do enough to separate itself from some of the other tracks within that style. It feels as though you may be in for a whole record of this, but it picks up in a big way.
As soon as the second track, ‘What You Told Me’, plays, we’re treated to an example of the excellent instrumentation and vocals displayed throughout the record. There is a sincerity and purity to the performance that serves the songwriting perfectly. Some songs fall flat, but generally speaking, this is a great album that combines various sounds and musical tones to create a versatile little tapestry.
Some of the standouts include ‘The Good Kind’, ‘Something About Me Being A Woman’, and ‘Something Exciting’. They are the best examples of how songs with a lot going on can be structured in a way that is accessible but not too predictable. Overall, this album is a charming sonic adventure with plenty of boldness about its constitution. There are some moments that fall flat, but as a general rule, Our Girl has made something wonderful.
For fans of A bag of Revels but in music form. There are two coffees in here.
A concluding comment from The Bad Kind: “Don’t like it.”
The Good Kind track by track
Release: November 6th | Label: Bella Union | Producer: John Parish
‘It’ll Be Fine’: The most delicate of openings as plucking guitar and soft vocals open the door to The Good Kind. The opener is sweet and easy to listen to. There isn’t much that makes it stand out as a song. There is no doubt it sounds good, but it offers little replay value. Regardless, it’s a nice way to kick things off. [2.5/5]
‘What You Told Me’: A much heavier opening. The guitar riff is killer, invoking feelings of shoegaze and classic rock. We are full systems go from the beginning, and those sweet vocals that were present in the opening track over a heavier beat feel right at home. The contrast between calmness and chaos is a strange kind of bliss. [3.5/5]
‘Who Do You Love’: Another full-bodied track with overlapping instrumentation but a bit less intense than ‘What You Told Me’. It still feels heavy, but in the same way a theatrical concept is heavy as opposed to a tonne of bricks. It’s a fun one to get stuck into, and the repetition of “Who do you love?” on the chorus is very catchy. [3.5/5]
‘The Good Kind’: The titular track doesn’t disappoint. Lovely instrumentation and lyricism, with a vocal melody that stands out and is infectious. This certainly is the good kind, as the song lends itself to multiple listens and protrudes as a favourite. [4/5]
‘Something About Me Being A Woman’: Another favourite. The structure, theme, and catchy chorus all feel like a hit, but then it isn’t in your face enough to feel like it’s selling itself as one. The subtly paired with the outstanding execution makes for arguably the best song on the record. [4.5/5]
‘Relief’: An upbeat number, drenched in pop and surf rock, demanding dancing shoes and singalong. The heavy nature of the track prior warrants a bit of a break, and ‘Relief’ gives us that. Still in keeping in tone, this song feels a little lighter and keeps the album moving along wonderfully. [3.5/5]
‘Unlike Anything’: Floating in heavy air. Reverbed guitar, drum machines and low rumbling strings create a borderline eerie atmosphere, and delay on vocals add to that feeling. On an album that has been predominantly upbeat, it feels like a real shift, but it’s pulled off well. [3.5/5]
‘Something Exciting’: Fuzz-infused basslines and off-kilter guitar runs create a trippy-sounding banger that begs for a live show. The feel of a crowd and the sweaty atmosphere of a thriving audience are intertwined into this track’s energy to create something exciting. [4/5]
‘I Don’t Mind’: A slow-moving and serene song. Emotion bounces off the airwaves as this stripped-back number lays itself bare. A gorgeous listen. It does fall slightly flat compared to some of the others which have come before, but there’s no denying it’s a good track. [3/5]
‘Sister’: Starting incredibly stripped back with just guitar and vocals, this song builds slowly and has an exceptional payoff. It’s almost cinematic in how it’s put together and is a great example of some of the complex and well-thought-out instrumentation that has gone into this record. [3.5/5]
‘Absences’: Things end slowly. The vocals are the most dynamic and fragile they have been on the whole album. It feels almost bittersweet to end things on a song like ‘Absences’, but it highlights the excellent qualities Our Girl presents on The Good Kind and is a true testament to the whole album. [3.5/5]
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