Montreal's very own TOPS sound sunny, charismatic, and thrilling on the first leg of their new fourth album. Sadly, they struggle to keep up in the second half, lacking the engagement or excitement they just previously attained.
Montreal's very own TOPS have been circulating through the indie-sphere on college radio and internet blogs for a handful of years now, but they haven't necessarily been on my radar until recently. I guess the group must have slipped past me, even though it seems like I should've been listening to them for years at this point. The group certainly scratch that itch of 70's and 80's guitar and synth pop with super catchy hooks and choruses, a common formula noticeable across the many, many (and many) sun-soaked indie rock and pop bands across the past decade. Even with the noticeable similarities from other groups, I found that TOPS seem to have their own footing amongst themselves. Their playful yet charming performances, attention to detail on the production front, and Jane Penny's prominent and dazzling lead vocals seem to catch my eardrums in a unique fashion. All of the singles off of their new fourth album, I Feel Alive, really caught my attention and have stuck with me throughout the year. The wonderful batch of singles hit me hard and they quickly led to be one of my most anticipated releases of the year.
The whole aesthetic and feel of I Feel Alive is mostly sunny and charismatic vibes with some melancholy and bleak moments too. There are jammy guitars and glistening synths over glossy production that has a pretty sheen, but one that isn't too clean to be uncomfortable of a listen. Listening to this album is quite enjoyable and fun, especially with the first leg of the record. "Direct Sunlight" is appropriately titled with its glistening synths that shine just like sunlit rays with a galloping rhythm that's so blindly happy, it doesn't have the faintest idea of what sadness is. The song is inescapable with its bursting delight and is a huge album highlight for me. Also, its flute and percussion jamming near its finish is pure gold. The title track is the album's sharpest pop song with guitar licks that are an immediate ear worm. Penny's vocals are bright and certainly pop out at the listener. Even though it's quite short and its hooks are on repeat throughout the song, "I Feel Alive" has such strong hooks that it's a standout of the year. "Pirouette" is another sharp track with whirring synths so bright, they might be UV lights burning in the retinas. They are enjoyable to hear, but they may need to be turned down a notch, just a smidge? "Colder & Closer" and "Witching Hour" are two other excellent highlights (and singles) on the record, each having their own distinctive qualities that I love, like Penny's vocals over the heavy synths on "Colder & Closer" and the simplicity of the overall intensity of "Witching Hour."
Aside from the excellent singles included in the first half of the record, this is where I Feel Alive struggles to stay engaging and exciting. I typically do not shy away from a good ballad, but the slower moments on here really lack the appeal or interest to keep up with the singles. "Ballads & Sad Movies" and "Too Much" are 80's pop throwbacks that are charming at first glance, but neither are really that rewarding after repeated listens. "Looking to Remember" is a better ballad than the previous two, but it still lacks the punch and sounds too sleepy as well. "Take Down" might be the best ballad on the entire record with its simplicity in the guitar and vocals. The hook on "Drowning in Paradise" is strong but aside from the hook there isn't too much to return to.
The overall flow does not favor the band's best performances throughout. Keeping the highlights in the front leg of the record and the deeper cuts in the back end make the whole listen lackluster and disappointing. I honestly don't agree with having a fast paced first half and a slow second. I was hoping for the deep cuts to be as memorable as the singles. The majority of them, especially the numerous ballads, aren't that emotionally powerful or engaging as I would've hoped. If the majority of the ballads were either faster paced or had stronger performances themselves, maybe I would have enjoyed I Feel Alive more. Overall, it's not a terrible listen by any means. It's an enjoyable, light throwback that reminisces on sunny pop and slow wielding balladry. The highs are really great and intoxicating at times, while the lows aren't necessarily bad, they're just very vanilla and beige. Heck, pretty much the entire first half on the album is a thrill ride and is quite the tour de force (aside from "Ballads & Sad Movies"), but it certainly does not make up for the slowed down and sleepy back end. TOPS surely sound sharp and thrilling on numerous cuts off of I Feel Alive and hopefully in the future they will make a full record that's as incredible as these highlights.
My Rating: 6 / 10
Favorite Songs: "I Feel Alive," "Direct Sunlight," "Colder & Closer," "Pirouette," "Witching Hour"
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