ALBUM REVIEW ~ ECHOSMITH ~ 'ECHOSMITH'

I'm music magazine, echosmith, sour, sydney sierota, noah sierota, graham sierota, gelato, cool kids,

Back with a bang, dance-pop band Echosmith returned to the charts with their brand new self-titled album. While they’ve maintained the fun light, upbeat sound that fans love, the band’s growth is profound in this new release, showcasing a more thoughtful, aged wisdom among the lyrics and an advanced instrumentation whether it be the bass or the electronic drumbeats. Led by vocalist Sydney Sierota, with her brothers Noah and Graham, this trio of siblings made their debut with their number one hit song “Cool Kids,” off their 2013 album Talking Dreams. Starting off as young teenagers, the band grew up in the public’s eye, and now a decade after their debut, they’ve captured the spotlight once more for their third album.

Getting right into it, the first track off Echosmith is “Porcelain.” Sydney’s airy vocals cut through the main riff, creating a sultry layer to the opening song. The core notes of “Porcelain” are suggestive of the band’s earlier work, a low guitar riff plucked to an empowering tune. A mystical tone embodies “Porcelain” which transcends the song from what could’ve been a regular pop song to a somber dance hit.

“Sour” was one of the singles released early. Another morose song, it tells the ache of a long-distance bond and the way one’s anxious thoughts and feelings can impact a relationship. The reoccurring line on the chorus, “it’s sweet but it’s bitter, you’re gone for the winter, it’s a worry of mine” cuts deep to the core. The rhythm slows to an acoustic tempo on the bridge, underlining the softened vocals and increasing another layer of distress to the song.

“Hindsight,” the album’s fourth track and also the first single released, emits an upbeat tempo with a simple strumming pattern and surf-style beat. “Hindsight” is bubbly and whimsical, an easy-listening track with a sing-along chant for a bridge. The depth of the song isn’t lost in the simple tone, its’ meaning implying a fear of what’s ahead while being caught up in the past.

A fashionable beat narrates the next track titled “Perfect Light.” Taking on a soft disco atmosphere, “Perfect Light” is light and radiant. Preluding the bridge is an electronic synth, guiding the song into an 80’s-inspired feel. Sydney’s husband assisted on this track, one of the rare moments the band had a collaborator outside of the siblings.

“Greedy” is the acoustic track that highlights Sydney’s delicate harmonies the most. Effortless and soft, with the major instrumentation being folk-styled guitar chords, this song holds a more dismal, self-analyzing depth on the lyrics than the feathery vocals and atmospheric instrumentation indicate. “Greedy” succeeds in being haunting and dreamy at the same time.

“Brother, Sister” includes additional vocals from Noah Sierota. An ode to family and the struggles of growing up, this song is a sweet gentle hymn and duet between siblings. A thought-provoking glimpse into the anxieties of what the future holds and the wish to keep those near you close, “Brother, Sister” accomplishes this story with a basic chord progression unplugged. Straying away from the synth and dance beats to slow things down, this song is one of the album’s most vulnerable tracks.

The keys return in “Primadonna,” a feisty pop track with an attitude, or a diss track meant for dancing. “Primadonna” follows what it’s like to lose respect for someone you once admired greatly.

“Gelato” is one of the songs that has a music video to go along with it. One of the last songs off the album, this one is a breezy summer hit to cool off to. Inviting with a contagious anthemic chorus, it’s no wonder “Gelato” was chosen as one of the record’s earlier singles.

With the release of Echosmith, the band also announced a fall UK and European tour with a few California dates as well. With one of their older hits, “Cool Kids” becoming a recent TikTok audio trend, and the success of their new album, Echosmith has been a popular name as of late, a band that has grown up with their fans.

I’m Music Magazine Writer Alice Kearney