Adagio Apassionato

I knew we would have a new release from The Poles this year, but I didn’t know it would be so soon! I thought their cool rebrand signalled a darker turn with their music, but this album (like all of theirs) was a pleasant surprise!  ‘Anomalies in the oddity space’ is an interesting title for this album. It suggests that The Poles are abnormal and stand out (as ‘anomalies’) even amongst those who are considered abnormal (‘in the oddity space’). Despite this seeming to set them apart, the album radiates a sense of togetherness and friendship, suggesting that since they are ‘anomalies’ even among the ‘oddities,’ it’s best for them to stick together as they only have each other. The track ordering further mirrors this unconventional theme – the album title is hidden in the last three tracks if they are played backwards: ‘Anomalies in the,’ ‘Oddities,’ and ‘ Space kids.’ Additionally, the album is written almost completely in English for the first time. It’s thus an anomaly and stands ...

As a long-time fan of Conan Gray, I was super excited when he announced ‘Found Heaven’ and knew I needed to write my thoughts on it, so here they are!  The most striking thing about this album was the sound and vibe of the tracks. All the songs have a very retro, eighties feel to them, even those that are more emotional, thus taking a complete turn from ‘Superache’s’ heartbreaking ballads. I love how Conan decided to use upbeat, dance-like tunes even when expressing deeply emotional and life-changing themes, showing his experience trying to process new experiences and feelings in his life. I especially love that he tapped into this sound because personally, some of my favourite songs of his are his most upbeat numbers like ‘Maniac’ and ‘Overdrive.’ This album, thus, was everything I love about his music, magnified!  I also love how this album shows his development as an artist and a person. In the transition from ‘Sunset Season’ to ‘Found Heaven,’ I think he brings together ev...