I have to admit the first time reviewing Liz Rohr who is sixteen and female it was a little difficult for me being a forty year old man. There's simply a chasm of difference in age and most likely perspective. The themes more or less feel consistent with the things younger people think about like acceptance, friends and mental health, and despite our difference in age I found sophomore effort by Liz Rohr to be enjoyable and even relatable at times.
There are twelve songs all of which have a soft bedroom pop feel to them. The songs have some variation in terms of structure but all of them seem to revolve around 4/4 time, major and minor scales and a mix of drums loops, synths and guitar. The album lasts around forty minutes. I was often reminded of early Beach House when they were in the embryonic phase and Frankie Cosmos. The songs are easy to listen to and accessible. Take for instance the opener “When I’m With You” which is catchy and infectious but also emotionally resonant. I enjoyed the lush and slightly jazzy overtones on “Bottling Up.” It’s a sincere and heartfelt song about mental health but the delivery is quite playful which makes an engaging juxtaposition. “Honey” is the song where Beach House vibes feel most evident and I say that as a huge compliment. I saw them at the Chicago Theatre a couple years back and it was fantastic. As the album progresses I thought there were a number of other highlights such as “Self Destruct Button” which is slightly funky and upbeat and works great with subtle and sleek vocal delivery. I also thought “You, Darling, Were My Undoing” and “Friends” were some of the best songs in the batch. One thing I did notice was that this release was more cohesive and singular than her previous release. This was something I pointed out in my first review and thought that it was very cool she may have taken some of my advice. I do however have one more thing that I think might help as she continues to evolve. I started making music around thirteen and in those days you couldn’t record to a computer in a bedroom. It was all tape and much more difficult. You had to make your own loops if you knew how to splice tape and there’s very little knowledge you could acquire unless you knew someone. I think Rohr is talented and off to a great start but I also want her at some point to think about working with other musicians to, at the very least, have those types of experiences. Playing in a room with other musicians is just a different animal and opens up different pathways of creativity I don't think you can create on your own. I promise the sort of in the moment creativity musical you build in those situations helps you grow as a musician and even if you compose by yourself. Overall, I think this release is her best yet with some well written songs and memorable melodies. There is a lot more ahead for this artist and I look forward to hearing where she goes. Recommended.
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