Review by Alex McCullough
Score: 7.5/10
The latest album from Porches is a dreamy, synth laden, exceedingly chill experience. I’m a sucker for dreamy atmospheres, so this album has really been doing it for me lately. I wasn’t crazy about Porches’ last full length, Slow Dance in the Cosmos, but Pool has a more laid back, less indie-rock oriented sound that I much prefer. Right away on the first track, “Underwater”, we get a wavering synth accompanied by a groovy bass line which leads into a couple gorgeous verses and a chorus with some tastefully used auto-tune. This track is followed by “Braid”, which is probably my favorite song on the record. It’s dancey, catchy, and filled with that synthy atmosphere that I’m a big fan of.
From there, Pool gives us track after track of easy-going, beautiful, floaty material. There are a couple spots on the album where things get a little rough, on the title track for example. The auto-tune use feels pretty unnecessary and tacky on “Pool”, and the production doesn’t do much to make it better. Other than this and a handful of other tacky moments, the album hits its mark fairly well, and I’ve revisited it with eagerness several times.
Pool is an album that makes me want to drive around on a warm summer night with the windows down. The aesthetic it creates is one that really vibes with me, and even though the lyrics can be lackluster at times, I think the instrumentals on this album are what make it worth the listen. It’s a great time if you’re into the nostalgic 80s synthpop revival that’s been happening lately.
FCC violations: None
Favorite tracks: “Braid”, “Glow”, “Car”, “Shaver”
RIYL: Frankie Cosmos, Alex G, Another One by Mac Demarco
