by Caleb Davis
7/10
Recommended if you like: Kero Kero Bonito, Alvvays, Sweet Trip
Air Guitar is the new sophomore album from Singapore-based band Sobs. Being my introduction to the band, I wasn’t sure what to expect with this release but was pleasantly surprised to have a fun head-bopping experience. It’s been four years since their last release, and it seems taking their time with their next album paid off. The album kicks off with its title track, a catchy tune that sets the mood for the music to come. Taking a look at the lyrics, though, you’ll find a stark contrast to the bright instrumentals, with themes such as feeling trapped and burnt out in a relationship, hoping for an end to it. Continuing with the next track dealbreaker, you start to notice how good the production on the album is, which I find to be one of its best qualities. You’ll hear synthesizers singing along with pleasant vocals to create a vibe similar to that of eating a sweet piece of candy. The album as a whole is well put together, and I didn’t find myself losing attention often. Lucked Out is probably the definition of the phrase “short but sweet” and fits its minute forty-eight runtime well, flowing in perfect transition to what is probably my favorite track on the album, Friday Night. Friday Night starts off with an easy-going tune with a heavier chorus of distorted guitars filling in the background. The lyrical content consists of the singer being overwhelmed with parties and wishing for her partner, to be honest, and ultimately leaving them and the party. Just when you think the track is about to finish, the band switches out of nowhere to a drum and bass section and lets an anthemic lead synth take the spotlight, flipping the vibe of the song on its head. The band follows it up with the track Last Resort, a song about the uncertainty of relationships and all the feelings that come with it. I found this song to be one of the more averages on the album, but the band brings the energy right back after. The rest of the album remains pretty consistent, closing with the track LOML. LOML (I’m guessing an abbreviation for love of my life) ties the album up nicely, as the relationship according to the lyrics has come to a close as the singer ends the song with echoes of “Please don’t call me back”. A bonus cover of Gwen Stefani’s “Cool” is also included, and I find it to be a great addition even prefer it to the original. Air Guitar delivers on the album cover’s promise of “the sound of pop music from the sobs” and is a consistently energetic and enjoyable listen.
