Bleachers return with their new self-titled album
After a three-year hiatus, Bleachers returned to the modern rock and alternative music sphere with their latest original album, “Bleachers,” released on March 8. The band, headed by producing royalty Jack Antonoff, has established their distinct sound over their past three albums.
Antonoff has long been crowned the king of pop production. While his work is renowned and his name is one of the most recognizable of modern pop producers, he has received his fair share of criticisms. From fun. to Taylor Swift to Lana Del Rey to Clairo to his own current band Bleachers, Antonoff produced a number of major hits alongside major flops. Critics say his production style waters down pop potential. Others say his experimental sound is lacking a level of flare or commitment. And while Bleachers’ recent self-titled album may fit the bill for these criticisms in some respect, many tracks don’t need to be taken so seriously.
Photo via Bleachers.
“I Am Right On Time” opens the project with a doomed synth beat, the notes sharp. Quickly the sound blossoms into an upbeat, movie scene opening-style synth and guitar landscape. Antonoff’s deep and gruff voice carries listeners into a dreamlike track that balances its upbeat pattern with a longing connection emphasized by the lyrical choices. Telling a story of growing up, making mistakes, and finally starting to put together the puzzle, he sings, “My mind is mirrors, don't know what is and what's reflection/The future's past, I'm right on time.”
In a slightly jarring transition, the album jumps into the already familiar lead single, “Modern Girl.” This track epitomizes the insouciant nature of Bleachers’ music. The song is fun; it’s as simple as that. In a call for all the modern girls to shake their asses tonight, Bleachers beg listeners to let go and embrace the music.
Many of the lyrics take a playful tone, particularly when Antonoff references his home state, New Jersey, time and time again. If you thought Bleachers’ previous work was perfectly crafted for an open-window drive along the Jersey shore, get ready for this album. “Modern Girl” features the witty line “I guess I'm New Jersey's finest New Yorker.” Just one track below, Bleachers deliver the bittersweet lyric “Jesus is dead and so’s New York/I built a place right down the shore,” he sings simply in “Jesus Is Dead,” followed by a subtle mention of the East Coast classic, Wawa in “Alma Mater.”
Perfecting the short and the sweet, “Bleachers” comes to a whopping 48 minute total run time. With mostly short tracks, Bleachers establish a rapid yet melodic pace on the album. One of the shortest ones is a shocking standout. In under two minutes, Bleachers explore the story of his father and his friends. “Hey Joe” feels nostalgic yet contemporary. Antonoff’s gravelly voice moves up and down, each note bouncing from top to bottom of the scale.
Photo via Bleachers.
“Call Me After Midnight” reinvents the hip hop band Brockhampton’s MARCH, an unfinished demo. The song takes on a new sonic identity for Bleachers. This pop/R&B hybrid track highlights Sam Dew’s sharp vocals, adding a pop quality that many Bleachers songs lack. Still, Antonoff’s voice mixes with the band’s notorious soothing brass tones.
Paired alongside the jazzy instrumentals, many songs on the album detail Antonoff’s relationship with the lovely Margaret Qualley, the actress who recently married Antonoff. From “Tiny Moves to “Me Before You,” Antonoff explores a newfound theme of love. In “Ordinary Heaven,” he uses the term to describe his life with Qualley. “I just get to be there (Imagine that)/I just get to witness,” he sings in admiration. By the end of the album, Antonoff melts into “Margo.” “Give me/Those little jewels of your heart,” he sings. “Honey oh god, take me higher/Keep making me bolder.”
Though the sonic composure remains similar to past albums, Bleachers embraces a newfound understanding of love, life, and growth on their fourth studio album. Turn up the volume, kick up your feet, and embrace the immersive sound of “Bleachers.”
