SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TOPS – I FEEL ALIVE

TOPS
I Feel Alive
Musique TOPS

I Feel Alive is a perfect self-portrait for TOPS for its simple and honest lyrics, catchy choruses, sweeping beats, and simple, stripped-down storytelling that fit TOPS perfectly.

“Direct Sunlight” kicks off the album and is soft and hopeful, echoing pop sounds with some indie tones. TOPS blend these two sonic aesthetics well, using their lyrics and instrumentation to tell a cliché love story.

“Pirouette” evokes nostalgia and youthful dreams, which makes it soft and fun. With heart-thumping drum beats and melodic laser synthesizers to match Jane Penny’s dreamy vocals and witty lyrics, “Invitation to another jubilee on my hands and knees/Bitch, please” this song is definitely the gateway for first time listeners.

“Colder and Closer” also contributes to I Feel Alive’s light atmosphere, having an even mix of light synthesized piano and percussion. It’s trancelike, and Penny’s vocals are far more prominent due to the hazy and layered backdrop that the song’s backing instrumentation provides by guitarist David Carriere and drummer Riley Fleck.

“Drowning in Paradise” pays homage to their francophone roots back in Montréal. Jane sings of feelings that mix adolescent longing and adult loneliness, and closing slowly with dissipating electric drops, and an interesting looped “dark bark”.

I Feel Alive is TOPS’ fourth studio album and they have yet to disappoint.

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