Album Review The Regrettes - Further Joy

On their third album, The Regrettes have entered their take on Paramore’s ‘After Laughter’ era. These songs sport a shinier, poppier sound, yet in contrast to its upbeat nature, the lyrics are wracked with deep anxiety, and at times a darkness that can stop a dancing listener in its tracks as the words sink in. ‘Barely On My Mind’ is the catchiest, most ebullient song about an abusive relationship you’ll ever hear (with a chorus that’s stupidly easy to commit to memory), while the sugary-on-the-surface ‘Monday’ smiles through existential crisis with effortless charm in spite of its dark subject matter. Away from the fascinating juxtaposition between sound and lyrics, there’s still so much to appreciate, not least the LA quartet’s capacity for an infectious hook. ‘La Di Da’ is the soundtrack to bouncing rather than running away from personal crises, while the twinkling, delicate melodies of ‘Out of Time’ are hard not to fall in love with. It’s mainstream baiting but still retains a distinctness and authenticity that leaves any finger-pointing purists looking foolish, particularly since these songs will inevitably end up stuck in their heads. In short, it’s bloody lovely.