SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: FANCLUBWALLET – OUR BODIES PAINT TRAFFIC LINES

FANCLUBWALLET
OUR BODIES PAINT TRAFFIC LINES
COOL ONLINE

Our Bodies Paint Traffic Lines is the latest EP by fanclubwallet and the first as a full band. Up until now, 24-year-old Hannah Judge was DIY. Three of Judge’s close friends who were also part of her touring band, Nathan Reid (bass), Eric Graham (guitar), and Michael Watson (drums), have now joined fanclubwallet. As with their previous records, Our Bodies Paint Traffic Lines is full of catchy earworms almost as soon as it starts. When it comes to crafting intoxicating tracks in under three minutes, fanclubwallet is one of the best.

“Our Bodies Paint Traffic Lines” opens up the EP and sees fanclubwallet experimenting with some different sounds compared to their normal indie pop/rock and alternative style. Ambient and dark synths, ominous drone noises, Twin Peaks score vibes, and Hannah Judge’s soft vocals give the track an eerie atmosphere. Even though it lacks the catchiness of most fanclubwallet tracks, it is still phenomenal.

“Complex Weather” is a sublime combination of lo-fi, bedroom pop, and indie rock with a banger of a chorus. The breezy and mellow sound of the guitar and drums is a joy to the ears too.

“Picture of Her” is a hell of a good time. The bluesy guitar riff and shuffle-like rhythm are bound to make you move along to the track. This track best exemplifies the natural chemistry that Graham, Judge, Reid, and Watson have, especially during the entrancing chorus, which is guaranteed to be a classic among fans of the band.

“Easy” is a blast from start to finish that contains upbeat instrumentation full of nostalgia, lovely vocals and uplifting lyrics about identity and growing pains.

“Band Like That” is an infectious, feel-good song with snappy and crisp guitar riffs and howls, an undeniable charm, groovy bass, relatable and endearing lyrics about wanting to be in your dream band (safe to assume everyone at one point in their life has dreamed about playing alongside their favourite band), and an unforgettable chorus that is worthy of being called a masterpiece. Once you listen to it is impossible to get out of your head. It is in close competition with “Gr8 Timing!”, “Trying to Be Nice”, and “What’s Up” for their best song.

Most indie pop/rock nowadays is overproduced, generic, irritating, or dull. One of the rare exceptions is fanclubwallet. Our Bodies Paint Traffic Lines is another fantastic collection of irresistibly charming tracks from fanclubwallet that deserve to be replayed over and over.

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