Label: Transgressive
Released: 27th September 2024
On their third album, MICHELLE are leaning into candidness. It’s been a cornerstone of their career thus far, but ‘Songs About You Specifically’ feels more like a celebration of blatant honesty – of course, all set to dreamlike beats and harmonies that are genuinely delicious. It’s far more tranquil than its predecessors, which were larger than life and often broiling with restlessness and angst. Here, MICHELLE seem more settled and content. They’re more likely to slow down, and choose peace – regardless of what the truth holds, they meet it with considered introspection.
Sonically, it tends towards warm guitar tones, quietly twinkling synths and breezy vocals. ‘Dropout’ entangles gorgeous riffs with whistling levity, whilst ‘Akira’ has a hook that lingers long after the song ends, and a bass line to match. They recount various mistakes and regrets in a deeply vulnerable way – their lyrics here refuse to sugarcoat anything, and in doing that there is a level of acceptance that is welcomed. It makes for an enthralling collection of songs that sees the various voices in the band dance around one another, a network of support in every line. Their experimental, textured approach flourishes even more here – tracks like ‘Oontz’ see them create something genuinely innovative and exciting.
There’s no pretense for MICHELLE on ‘Songs About You Specifically’, just a need to take pause and create something honest and true. It champions sitting with your feelings and just seeing where they end up, and finds them continuing to explore new, refreshingly creative ground.
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