Artist: Neon Trees
Album: Picture Show
Label: Mercury Records
Release Date: April 17
Grade: B-
The sounds of the '80s are brought back to life in a lyrical theme of youth, love, and rule breaking, as Neon Trees release their sophomore album, Picture Show. With an electronic sound and catchy lyrics, the alternative group has unsuccessfully tried to outdo its debut project, Habits,which produced the popular hit "Animals."
With songs like "Everybody Talks," Picture Show has a few tracks with hit potential. The track has an attention-grabbing beat with lyrics that anyone can relate to. Lead singer Tyler Glenn sings of others' opinions trying to get in the way of a relationship.
The album is filled with upbeat chorus lines and wide-ranging lyrics. These tracks and their themes of teenage life and tough love will speak to a younger generation. The album's almost as good as the band's first, but doesn't give it anything extra. Neon Trees tried to make something special with the use of the "synth pop" sound, but it doesn't translate well in the music. It distracts the listener from the emotion in the lyrics and the fun in the upbeat tunes.
On "Mad Love," the band brings in a female voice to sing counterpoint to Glenn. The addition just doesn't feel natural, however. "Hooray for Hollywood" has a section where deceased celebrity names are spoken rather than sang, which comes off creepy rather than clever.
It will take a certain kind of listener or avid Neon Trees fan to enjoy this album wholeheartedly. While some tracks continue the sound the band established with their first album, others only cloud the group's musical intention. Unfortunately, the risky change up in the young band's sound isn't painting the right picture for any new listeners.
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Mhdariby / Wikimedia Commons
