The Pointer UW-Stevens Point Student Newspaper
With synthpop’s recent burst of popularity in the college music scene, it’s hard to sift through every bit of music in order to find what is actually worth your time.
“Pool,” the latest release from Porches, is one synthpop album that will grab your attention. What’s more, it’ll deserve it.
Throughout the album vocalist Aaron Maine lazily croons as the synths wail on. There’s a sadness to Maine’s voice that cannot be ignored. His voice paired with the album’s instrumentation produces a sound that will make you feel eerily nostalgic about something that hasn’t happened to you.
The album starts out quick and manic. The second track “Braid” features a quick, driving beat made sinister by Maine describing bright and powerful eyes watching him.
Before one can stop for a breath, Porches jumps right into the next song, “Be Apart.”
This track is just as fast-paced as “Braid,” but Maine seems to be in even more emotional turmoil than he was before. The lyrics are not complicated, but desperation seeps through the vocals when Maine describes a faceless being coming after him. He sounds like he is on the verge of screaming the lyrics “I’ll let it have me whole.”
Even though the lyrics are simple, they are not uninspired. Lines from the song “Shaver” detail the process of pining for someone through lines like “I make my face smooth for you/ do you like the things I do/ oh I hope so.” As Maine sings about someone he loves, there’s gentleness to his voice. This gentleness is one of the most notable things present throughout the whole album, keeping the listener enthralled in every song.
“Pool” will leave an emotional mark on you long after the 39 minute album is finished. Songs from Porches’ album “Pool” can be heard during 90FM’s general programming.
Katy Strebe
Contributor
Kathryn.P.Strebe@uwsp.edu
