SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DROP NINETEENS – HARD LIGHT

DROP NINETEENS
HARD LIGHT
WHARF CAT RECORDS

Drop Nineteens formed in 1990 and released two albums, most notably Delaware, which is still a favourite amongst shoegaze fans. In the 90s, they toured with Blur and PJ Harvey. Radiohead and The Cranberries opened for them. Magazines were constantly covering them. They were a huge deal. Then, in 1995, they broke up, with their last release being in 1993. Now, after 30 years, they have finally released some new music. Their latest album, Hard Light, is a triumphant return.

Despite being gone from the music scene for a long time, it is as if Drop Nineteens never left. They are stronger than ever. “T” is an epic slow burner of a song with a very expansive sound. “Scapa Flow” is shoegaze at its best. Fans of the classic Drop Nineteens track “Winona” will adore this song as it has a similar feel. Lastly, “A Hitch” absolutely rocks, especially in terms of instrumentation.

Greg Ackell’s voice is phenomenal on this record. It is incredibly comforting, gentle, and magnetic. In “Hard Light”, his voice fades away into the soothing melody and dreamy guitars. Everything comes together perfectly on this breathtaking track.

Hard Light has some amazing guitar work. “Gal” and “The Price Was High” are two standouts. The former has a super catchy riff that is brooding, gloomy, dark, and reminiscent of the post-grunge era. It is a damn good riff that goes hard. The latter has a sick guitar tone. It is heavily distorted, fuzzy, and loud and mixes with the soft vocals so well.

Hard Light is a fantastic comeback album by Drop Nineteens filled with outstanding vocals and excellent guitars.

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