Album is another addition to the recent wave of indie records that revisit a more classic pop sound (think 50s and 60s soul/surf/British invasion) through a contemporary lens. Girls find a way to include all these influences from the past without trivializing their own music or sounding like a band that wishes they were from a long gone era. They instead make the songs their own, making the influences more of a reference point than the band’s entire sound. Also adding to Album's contemporary sound are the lyrics and voice of Christopher Owens. His voice sounds honest and familiar, like a friend telling you about his problems. The lyrics are, for the most part, straightforward, no excess of metaphors and convoluted stories. Lines like “I wish I had a suntan/ I wish I had a pizza and a bottle of wine/ I wish I had a beach house/ And we could make a big fire every night” don’t attempt to blow you away with their epic qulaities, but rather feel genuine and relatable. Not to say that Owens strays away from deeper subject matter, but rather approaches them with a beautiful simplicity. The chorus of “Hellhole Ratrace” touches on a very personal theme without over exaggerating the point, “And I don’t want to cry my whole life through/ I want to do some laughing to/ So come on and laugh with me/ And I don’t want to die without shaking up a leg or two/ Yah I want to do some dancing too/ Some come on and dance with me”.

Album has a sound and energy that is truly Californian. Guitars drenched in spring reverb, background vocal oohs and ahhs, and an optimism and outlook on life that can only be found in certain parts of California, San Francisco being one of them. It’s good to know that no matter how many condos and shopping centers are built the spirit of California is still alive somewhere and, thanks to Girls, we have the proof!

-Glenn Jackson