TEEN
The Way and Color
Reviewed by: Jaz Bowens
I’ve never listened to a TEEN song nor have I heard of the band before. Although I’m not familiar with them, I have an open mind and I’m always down to listen to new music regardless of genre. After learning a few things about TEEN via the interwebs, I had the chance to listen to songs from their 2011 debut Little Doods through their most recent album, California, released last year. Comparing these to the new LP, The Way and Color, it was clear to see where they have come from and in what direction they are going.
The four ladies who makeup TEEN hail from Nova Scotia, representing NYC, are truly talented. I was able to clearly hear the instruments they were playing and their vocals in previous albums, but with The Way and Color, I could barely hear their voices or make out the lyrics. I’m guessing they were going for more of an “electropop” feel, but in almost every song, the mixing and overlapping of the beats, the bass, and different melodies were just off. It seemed as if everything was just thrown together to sound different. Many songs left me scratching my head.
“Breath Low & Deep”, the fifth song on the album, is a good example of a song that could have done without the electro dance beats. Everything can’t be turned into a dance song. Their talents are there! They can sing really well and it’s just a shame their voices were overshadowed. However, the seventh track, “More Than I Ask For” isn’t over done. Everything blends together great. The tempo and beat weren’t too fast and it was a smooth, mellow song. I’m not too sure what they were going for, but this album just isn’t it.
Don’t throw in the towel too quickly on TEEN, though. Their earlier work was good and I know they have it in them.
Rating: Semi-obnoxious
