Girls’ debut LP “Album” comes off as raw and slightly unfinished. Whether or not it’s on purpose – the album was released through indie label True Panther Sounds – it ends up being an asset that adds to the feel of the record.
On songs like “Hellhole Retrace” you can hear the musicians whispering before they begin the song, but it doesn’t come off contrived. It helps that the music is entertaining.
With “Retrace” being the middle song of the album, the song takes on a melancholy sound while lead singer Christopher Owens sings.
“I’m sick and tired of the way that I feel/I’m always dreaming and it’s never for real/I’m all alone with my deep thoughts/I’m all alone with my heartache and my good intentions.”
Tracks like “Headache” carry a 60s-slowdance vibe whereas “Summertime” has the feel of a 60s California party on the beach.
“Laura” is a track where Owens sings about a lover’s lament.
“Reach out and touch me, I’m right here/And I don’t wanna fight anymore/I really wanna be your friend forever/Friend until the end of it all/I know I’ve made mistakes/But I’m asking you to give me a break.”
Later on in the song, the instrumentals take the listener on a wondrous journey with sounds of guitar strums and effervescent humming.
The 12-track debut is short but effective in taking the listener on a ride that will surely welcome the passenger for more than one trip.