AJR, a popular indie pop band, released a new album on April 26th. The album is called “Neotheatre”, and it has a mix of many different types of songs.
Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met are all brothers and created their band in 2005. They made their start by covering other bands, but in 2015 they released their first original album, “Living Room.” “I love the way that they balance their electric sound with their vocals,” said senior Jacob Bandy.
“Neotheatre” is well named because the album sounds like a theatre show. With a mix of upbeat, fast tempo and slower meaningful songs, the band is able to show different emotions with each song. The album is good for every listener’s mood because of the wide variety of styles.
The album opens with piano chords and only vocals with the song “Next Up Forever.” “I don’t really like the pure vocal sound compared to the normal electronic sound that AJR normally has,” said senior Odin McDonald. The song quickly switches back into the normal style of AJR that all the fans are familiar with.
The next song on the album, “Birthday Party,” takes the perspective of a newly born child. The child is naive about the world talking about how great the world is. AJR uses examples such as “I bet my country is nice to immigrants,” and “I will never outgrow my friends.” The song does a great job of reminding people simpler times that weren’t filled with uncertainty and hate.
Another song that focuses on childhood is “Don’t Throw Out My Legos”, except this song looks towards adult life and how younger years are better. AJR sings to their parents telling them not to throw out their legos because they may come home. The song does a great job of reminding people of how fun it can be to look at old toys and memories.
Two songs that pair together well are “Turning Out Pt. ii” and “Entertainment House.” The first is a break-up song, and the second is about using happy things in life to outweigh the bad. The pairing is relatable to anyone who knows sad things can happen, but good things are there too.
The album does a great job of reminding listeners to enjoy their childhood and remember that life is good. “This new album has at least one song to listen to, however I am feeling,” said Bandy. The mix of songs is a great means of catharsis.
