Young Galaxy – Falsework
3/5
Dreamy electronic pop beats serve as a colourful backdrop for Catherine McCandless’ confident vocal delivery on Young Galaxy‘s fifth studio album, Falsework. Over the past few years, the Montreal-based indie synth-pop band has changed directions from their “shoegaze” indie rock beginnings as they were opening for acts like Arcade Fire and Death Cab For Cutie.
Now they’re settling into their own unique sound that demonstrates their musical strengths, but they haven’t quite narrowed it down yet. Layers of synth, bass, strong lead vocals with breathy backup vocals, and a tempo that just won’t quit are what characterize this latest addition to their discography. The album starts off heavily synthesized and electronic with an 80’s vibe towards the end and quick dance beats throughout most of the songs.
The first two tracks have that dance-friendly rhythm and pop ballad vocals, but they repeat the same bass line and chorus over and over, without building into anything more. However if you can get past that, the rest of the album keeps it interesting.
Next, “Factory Flaws” follows up with an 80’s pop quality that makes it more dance friendly, especially during the chorus. The next track, “Body” is an ethereal dream-pop anthem with pulsating bass and electric synth that will make you feel like you’re on drugs.
“Ready to Shine” and “Must Be Love” are more like the standard modern pop anthem, a lot less retro and experimental than the rest of the album. Then, “We’re No Good” takes it in another direction in terms of mood. This soft breakup ballad showcases vocals, with minimal percussion and electronic elements.
The last song on the album, “Pressure” has a similar oscillating electric rhythm as “Body” and “Factory Flaws” but at a slower tempo to bring Falsework to a close.
Although it may sound like a bit of an amalgamation of a few different genres when you listen to it from start to finish, there are a few songs that could stand alone. “Factory Flaws”, “Must Be Love”, and “Body” are a few of the standout tracks on the album. However, the rest fall a little short of genre they’re trying to be. Young Galaxy is still hasn’t quite found their sound, but with Falsework they are well on their way.
You can purchase the album through their website, plus read the short story that inspired the album here.
