Brighton’s Amelia & The Housewives deliver a crisp indie debut on their self-titled album, out now via INH Records. Romance is messy, but the band has found a way to package their post-mortems into bursts of pure pop joy. The album is not just catchy riffs and harmonies though, it’s a self-aware dissection of relationship dynamics and their shifts, ego checks, and late summer heartbreak. When discussing their music and sound, vocalist Lola had this to say:
Brighton is in the band’s DNA, it runs through our songs like a stick of rock. If the Beach Boys are the sounds of West Coast, we are the sound of West Street at 2am.
If you’re into dry British humor, ‘Top of the Pops’ puts it on full display. The lyrics deliver a witty take on two polar opposites living together. Musically, the track has a cheeky, chaotic indie-pop setup with the trademark jangly guitars, rapid-fire dual vocal exchanges, and a driving rhythm section. The track, like all tracks on the album is kept under three minutes and strips out bridge sections in favor of direct, catchy hooks.
The album’s lead single, ‘Narcissist’ marries 1960s girl group vocal harmonies with Squeeze-style hooks. Any person who has been in a relationship with a toxic partner can relate to the lyrics on this track and yet it doesn’t feel like emotional upheaval listening to it. Those vocals paired with the chiming guitars and crisp, driving drums give the whole track a bright feel. Ultimately, ‘Narcissist’ finds comedy in the turbulence of going out with a narcissist without undermining the pain of the experience.
Because good things always come in threes, a third standout track and a favorite of mine is ‘Time Will Tell.’ The track serves as the closing track on the album, bringing the record to a distinct, reflective finish. When discussing this track, guitarist, Tim described the theme of the track:
We are not an ambitious band. On Time Will Tell we tried to cover the complexity of the universe and cosmic loneliness, I think we got quite close.
That feeling of isolation does not translate into bleakness with this track though. Instead, the track delivers a sweeping, bittersweet emotional payoff through a slowed down tempo, reverb-soaked guitars, and wider, more ethereal vocal harmonies. As the album’s most expansive and atmospheric track, it serves as the perfect curtain call- proving there is real depth beneath all that wonderful 1960s pop charm.
Fast, clever, and relentlessly catchy, Amelia & The Housewives is a triumph of concise songwriting. Amelia and Lola have turned romantic misfires into pure pop gold, making this album on of the most enjoyable listens I’ve had all year.
Upcoming Live Dates:
3 Oct at Dalton’s, Brighton *Album Launch Party*
Follow Amelia & The Housewives on bandcamp | instagram | youtube