★★★
The second full-length release from Sydney indie rockers The Griswolds is a fun exploration into a new sonic direction for the band.
There’s a lot happening across this album. The production, bass, synth, drums and Chris Whitehall’s vocals combine to redefine The Griswolds’ sound – but there still isn’t a clear definition of what exactly that is. While some tracks like ‘YDLM’ (feat. Lizzo) and ‘Feels So Right’ bring to mind the classic vocal stylings of the glory years of R&B, others return to the summery, jungle-like beats that shone on their first album.
‘Out Of My Head’ and ‘Get Into My Heart’ are two such examples of a return to the style the band knows best, and both are fun, catchy tracks with quite contrasting messages. They epitomize the album’s tumultuous narrative of falling in and out of love, then back in love again.
The album is also punctuated by two floaty interludes, while the star track that shines in the middle section is ‘Hate That I Don’t Hate You’, offering a more vulnerable take on the overarching narrative.
Ultimately, this album is an interesting next step for The Griswolds, but they’re still just at the beginning of their journey.
High Times For Low LivesbyThe Griswoldsis available now through Chugg.
