Originating in Zurich, Switzerland, Annie Taylor has written a flourishing grunge album, Inner Smile, that chronicles daring exploration into the human psyche via Taxi Gauche Records.
Emerging with track 1, ‘Birds’, we quickly dive into uncertainty. This song tears at the very fabric of emotion that culminates when things don’t turn out as expected. Buzzing guitar riffs accompany the fragile discussion until coming to a close of whispers and echoes. ‘Birds’ is a gritty grunge track perfect for a warm, summer afternoon.
Next up, is the layered track, ‘Smothering Me’ at number 4. The acoustic, peaceful opening, promptly, leads listeners to a stifling, complex relationship that sours as the song evolves over the next 3 minutes. If you’ve had to deal with someone insufferable and need an escape, ‘Smothering Me’ will be an impeccable release.
At number 5 comes the tormented track, ‘Push Me.’ The core of this song lies in being haunted by the words of another, for better or worse. With guitar work dripping in melancholy betwixt the desperate pleas in the vocals, Annie Taylor’s stark talent blindly shines through. ‘Push Me’ is a stellar track that will please any fan of the rock genre.
Midway through Inner Smile we find ‘Moving Too Fast’ at track 6. A dizzying melody and charming vocals compliment the song’s descent from infatuation and obsession to missteps and loss. An idyllic combination that successfully sweeps up and further captivates listeners at the key halfway album mark. All and all, ‘Moving Too Fast’ lands gently and provides a drunk-on-love experience without the hangover.
‘Figure It Out’ gorgeously greets us with piercing guitar whines at number 8. This song acts as a lyrical flash of clarity on Inner Smile. It’s this fusion between self-confidence and being passionately unbothered by negative outside influences that threw this track on repeat for me. It’s exhilarating to know you’re walking the correct path and ‘Figure It Out’ relays that same blissful conviction. This song is a splendid fit for uplifting playlists.
Annie Taylor has packed Inner Smile so full of dynamic and thrilling tracks that this album feels boundless. The quartet pours themselves into these songs and it makes Inner Smile so authentic, heartfelt, and emotionally stirring. I found this whole album extremely engaging with a lively ambience and I highly recommend it. Annie Taylor is currently on a sprawling UK and European tour so make sure to check out their list of show dates!
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