Rank: 3/5
Painted Palms’ latest album was released like a whisper, but listening to it was more like a bang.
Produced with thumping 808 drums and heavy synths, “Horizons” turns out a big win for alternative dance fans. For fans of lyrics — not so much.
Judging from the one-word song titles, it seemed as if the 10-song album would go for a simplistic sound. Instead, the album transcends the boundaries of alternative pop and dance, making for an entertaining listening experience.
From the first track, “Refractor,” the band makes it clear the album will carry a fun sound, perfect to listen to on a ride to an ’80s throwback party.
“Refractor” give the feel of the Eurythmics’ 1983 hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” It was almost like an updated version of the synthpop hit.
“Glaciers,” the album’s fourth track, is perhaps the work’s strongest. The pounding chorus gives the song a genuine transcendental element, adding character to a sometimes-mindless album.
The lyrics are sometimes cheesy, which is best exemplified in the song “Control.” It’s almost like the writers were trying their best to add some lyrics to an already completed beat. Five minutes and 11 seconds was way too long for such a simple song.
“Disintegrate” is almost as emotional and triumphant as computerized music can be. Taking a break from the album’s lyrical soullessness, “Disintegrate” becomes the album’s centerpiece, with the mood of the song progressing through the minutes.
Telling listeners that they are a waterfall, Painted Palms continues the questionable lyrics on “Waterfall.” Alas, the beat made me want to dance so much I would never think of skipping the track.
Though the album falters with lyrics, it provides a solid dance beat with elements often ignored by musicians today. “Horizons” should be considered as a precursor for a future trend of music because listening to this album was a whole lot of fun.