DIVE
Almost Monday, 2024
Review by: Emma Parton
Overall Rating: 8.6
Genre: Indie Pop
Reviewed: October 22, 2024
On September 25, 2024, the band Almost Monday released their album titled, DIVE, which includes a plethora of songs with hidden metaphors, compilations of songs with different moods and atmospheres, and lyrically engaging words for all audiences to listen to. When listening to the album in order, the storytelling offers an enticing tale, relatable for everyone to listen to in different ways.
Starting off strong with the first song on the album, “Dive,” the song provides a feeling of a dreamy, lucid state of existence. Some would describe it as if they were floating. The song has such a satisfactory rhythmic tune that will most likely give a relaxing vibe. This song feels like a 1960s lullaby. The only problem with this song is that it’s too short. But, the song is so enchanting that it gets away with it. Hitting off on a much different note, the song “Is it Too Late” starts off with a heavy guitar solo, which was an interesting but necessary switch from the unconventional song previously. This song immediately gives “Song of the Summer” vibes.
There are mentions of “everywhere I go I see your face,” and “it was the best I’ve ever had.” This song is very lyrically captivating, and perfectly describes what it’s like to miss someone so much that you can’t get them out of your head.
Moving on, “Never Enough” has a near similarity to the song “Is it Too Late.” This song gives a confounding example on what it’s like to feel something but you can’t quite say it. The way he sings, “Evidently, I enjoy you simply,” is really satisfying due to the different beats. The transition from the bridge to chorus allows a smooth yet upbeat transition to where it doesn’t slow down completely.
In the song “You Look So Good,” beginning with the introduction, lyrics invite you to blast it on your car speakers. The chorus slows down to a point where the singer’s voice is accentuated, and it compels its listeners to listen to the actual words and their meaning. This is a great song to sing along to. This is a similar song to “She Likes Sports.” The lyrics seem to have many hidden meanings; for example, “She’s in another league and I’m falling behind,” expresses a meaning of not feeling good enough for someone. The post-chorus really benefited from the background singing, giving the song depth. Not their best compared to other songs on the album, the title “She Likes Sports could have been different, emanating and highlighting the hidden meanings behind the lyrics.
Now, my personal favorite song on the album, “Can’t Slow Down.” The introduction guitar solo is most certainly interesting. Not bad, just unexpected. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is their most popular song on the album, due to the bluntness of the lyrics, the summer-feeling of the song, and the overall superlative energy.
Furthermore, the song “Jupiter” is a song that feels like you’re traveling through space. Ironically enough with the song name being “Jupiter,” the song emits an out of this world and celestial feeling. The song “Tidal Wave“ is yet another summery song, but it is not their best work. This song is too much like their other songs.
One of the best songs on the album is “Sunburn.”When looking past the actual lyrics of the song, the song lyrically gives the song a backbone. “The days we spent were temporary, but you’ll always be that sunburn on me.” Metaphorically, the lyrics to the song provide the song strong justice. The lyrics are very relatable towards the listener.
To wrap it all up, the song “Life Goes By” is very intriguing to listen to. This was a great way to end off the album all together. The whole albumwhen listening to it in order, tells a story of a summer filled with beach vibes and a feeling of eternal time.
Overall, the album holds a beachy, warm, exhilarating and chaotic feel, having listeners from around the world yearn for summertime, and roll down their car windows.