It has been well over two years since Against The Current debuted their first full-length record In Our Bones. Not sure where the time has gone but the NY band is now back for a second round and looking to begin a new chapter with Past Lives.
Sophomore records are usually just as important deal breakers as a debut. Moments like these are when artists really start to unleash their creative potential. Against The Current’s new material manifests this exact natural growth that could cement their place as one of the more interesting pop/rock bands around lately.
They ditched the former pop/punk influence and the darker, heavier feel of the music to completely embrace and experiment with various layers of pop music – little bit sad but unsurprising move for those with a more guitar-centric preference. However, previous singles “Strangers Again” and “Almost Forgot” still possess a hint of past stylistics and the new experiments they provide are fresh and exciting, like brand new dance anthem “Voices.”
In a rather bold move, “The Fuss” moves slightly into R&B territory with funky guitar riffs added, stealing the show upon first listen. It almost makes you wish they went in on it more bravely on the remaining tracks as well. Another highlight is the playful tropical pool song “Scream,” written about constantly denying one’s advances and wanting them to leave you alone…but for good – “just let me be…you make me scream.” Nothing in life is certain, but we can always rely on ATC dropping crucial truth bombs in their lyrics. This record is surely full of them.
Past Lives is for those seeking shiny pop songs similar to The Aces, with experimental genre-merging as The 1975 and the brutal honesty of what Paramore brought to the table on After Laughter. Past Lives is still a solid sophomore effort nonetheless.
Past Lives is available now here.
