Rex Orange County Reflects with ‘The Alexander Technique’
Rex Orange County, born Alexander O’Connor, returns from a two year hiatus with The Alexander Technique, his longest and most ambitious project to date. With 16 tracks, his fourth album marks a departure from his usual concise indie-pop releases, embracing a more introspective, experimental sound.
Photo by Clare Shilland
The album opens with “Alexander,” a minimalist track characterized by a simple, whimsical piano that sets a contemplative tone. Rex’s voice is at its clearest and most earnest here, as he narrates a frustrating visit to the doctor’s office. This track is a stark contrast to his previous upbeat and playful style, diving deep into personal narrative and emotional vulnerability. He opens up with the lyric, “I may be using my back pain to distract from the pain of life.”
This introspective vein is continued with “Guitar Song” , featuring soft, strummed acoustic guitar and poignant, raw vocal delivery. The emotional weight of the lyrics, such as “Looking in my reflection and wanting to die/I didn’t like what I was seeing when I had hoped I might,” is supported by atmospheric backing vocals that introduce a sense of uniqueness to the track. The extended, funky outro adds an unexpected twist, showing Rex's ability to blend vulnerability with innovation.
“2008” provides a refreshing shift in mood with its upbeat tempo and nostalgic energy. Rex’s high falsetto reminisces on the music of 2008 with references to Jay-Z and other artists who were popular at the time. This track stands out as one of the album’s highlights, offering a vibrant contrast to the more subdued moments.
In “Therapy,” Rex delivers a stream-of-consciousness rant over a synth-heavy backdrop. His storytelling is deeply personal, revealing insights into his inner struggles and experiences. Similar to the simplicity of this track, “4 In The Morning” takes a slight experimental turn, with humming serving as a unique backtrack. The simplicity of the arrangement highlights Rex’s emotional delivery.
Returning to a more melancholic tone, “Jealousy” has Rex expressing feelings of poignant introspection. The repetition of “I hope you’re sleeping well,” shows genuine care for an ex, regardless of what went down between them.
“The Table” is distinguished by its finger-plucked guitar and thematic exploration of historical perspective and self-awareness. Rex muses about past events and individuals, reflecting on context with lines like “Who sat beneath that tree? / Which lovers carved initials?”
The most intimate song on the album, “Pure” is a soft love song driven by a low bassline, expressing longing and devotion with gentle lyrics. He sings, “Make me the one that's all yours in every way/ Show a side that only I know, my babe.” This track's simplicity and sincerity make it a standout in the album’s quieter moments.
In contrast, “Look Me In The Eyes,” featuring James Blake, combines heart-wrenching sadness with an added layer of depth through Blake’s complementary vocals. “Carrera” introduces more upbeat elements with interesting synth work, while “Much Too Much” features beautiful vocal performance against a soft guitar and unique percussion/
The album concludes with “Finally,” which features a warp-filled backtrack reminiscent of something by The 1975. The lyrics, “Trying to get back to who I am,” encapsulate the album’s overarching theme of self-discovery and resolution. The simple lyrics and beautiful instrumental outro provide a fitting end to this deeply personal journey.
Overall, The Alexander Technique is a serene, melancholic, and beautifully crafted album. Rex Orange County’s production and songwriting are exceptional, though the sheer volume of tracks can occasionally blur individual distinctions. Despite some moments of monotony, the album is undeniably Rex’s most heartfelt and emotionally charged project to date, showcasing his evolution as an artist.