This is Normal
This is Napoleon?
"This is Napoleon? has released their first full length album- and yes, it’s on SpotiFy. The self described “Punk-pop but not really” band has released 9 tracks of new music. Let’s see what This is Normal is all about…"
Recommended for:
Californian young people
Gatherings of 4 - 12 people
Drinking beer to
Pros:
Fun mix of flavors and influences
Track variety
Sincerity
Con:
Low production value
This album lands at an intersection between multiple genres. This is Normal wades through sounds of pop-punk, indie, surf rock, and a tinge of garage rock. Haven’t heard it yet? Just try and put those genres together in your head. Next, actually listen to the album… pretty accurate huh? That, or I’m just taking myself too seriously. Regardless, those genres do share common bedrock. The backyard, easy-listening is spiced with a light rebellious, balky mood that tells it like it is.
With such a description, I would usually be fearful of droning track repetition, but that was not the case! Spinning this album will not mean 9 tracks of the same song. Just when one styling starts to expire in your mind, a quirky lyric or horn line will thrust you back into the music. But that displays a flaw in the music as well. A styling or melody should not have to nearly expire before shifting elsewhere. I would have liked to see a stronger presence of musicianship in the album to fill such a void. The competence of musicianship is apparent, thus I would have expected and appreciated some more space for the instruments to explore. Compositionally, nothing insane is happening here. But each instrument’s part fits comfortably with the others… but maaaaaybe I woulda’ liked some more horn. All in all, the songs have good movement and use dynamics and structure safely but tastefully. Though “safely” may come off as condescending or insulting, safely and tastefully is a great thing. Taste is always the key. You can’t teach it or explain it, but it certainly trumps its “safe” counterpart in this instance.
The lyrics were fun. Considering the music styling, the lyrics fit very nicely. Certain songs that explore more basic ground are paired with quirky lines that give it a listenable and entertaining mood. I mean c’mon “But my brain and my asshole tend to make a lot of shit”. It’s kitschy, but emphasized and shameless. It works and I like it. Oddly enough, I would call it as sincere as the more serious songwriting on the album, considering that people do think in cliche, kitschy ways. The more serious stuff has that very straight-forward indie feel to it. Most importantly, the sincerity is present throughout. So I liked the variety, the sound, the lyrics… then what didn’t work? I was a little disappointed in the album mixing. This is a very tacky-tack thing to complain about from a group that isn’t peaking national charts, but I don’t give a shit. I consider good mixing something a listener shouldn’t even think about. I am by no means the first guy to bitch about track mixing, but I can’t help but be critical here. More than once, I could barely make out the vocalist over the guitar and bass.
In review, it’s a fun album that’s worth a spin. Find this group on bandcamp.com or follow ‘em on Spotify.
Favorite track: “The Friend That Buys You Alcohol”
7/10
