Review: whyohwhy – Bruises | Sputnikmusic

Upon first listen, whyohwhy’s debut LP “Bruises” may not immediately grab the listener’s attention. The delicate blend of dream pop, slowcore, and folk may come across as unassuming at first, but upon further exploration, the album reveals itself to be a gem of restrained beauty and emotional depth.

The album kicks off with “Return”, a track that sets the tone for the rest of the record with its subdued yet lush instrumentation and captivating autotuned vocals. As the album progresses, tracks like “River Styx” and “Tangerines” showcase the band’s ability to create moody yet expansive sonic landscapes, with the vocals effortlessly carrying the emotional weight of the songs.

Throughout the nine tracks on “Bruises”, whyohwhy demonstrates a mastery of their craft, balancing intricate musical arrangements with heartfelt lyricism. Each song feels like a piece of a larger puzzle, coming together to form a cohesive and immersive listening experience. While the album may require multiple listens to fully appreciate its nuances, it rewards the attentive listener with layers of sonic textures and emotional depth.

In terms of individual standout tracks, “Bruises” excels in creating a cohesive sonic journey from start to finish. Tracks like “Return”, “River Styx”, and “Tangerines” offer glimpses into the band’s creative vision, while deeper cuts like “Flood” and “Wheatfield” provide moments of introspection and contemplation.

Overall, whyohwhy’s “Bruises” is a remarkable debut that showcases the band’s talent for crafting intimate and evocative music. While it may not be an immediately accessible album, its beauty lies in the subtlety of its arrangements and the emotional resonance of its vocals. For fans of dream pop, slowcore, and folk music, “Bruises” is a must-listen that offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.

Rating: 8.5/10

Written by staticwire