How To Socialise & Make Friends

Let me say this right from the jump: I like this album a fair amount. It’s the kind of laid-back, uncomplicated indie rock that was very much in vogue from the late ‘90s to the mid-‘00s. The real draw here is the singer, who writes deeply felt, relatable lyrics about being in relationships and dealing with stupid guys. Beyond that, she’s got a hell of a voice, and when she shouts those lyrics like she does in nearly every song, it’s thrilling and passionate. It’s just that almost all of these songs sound like they’re cut from the same cloth. For that reason, I have a hard time writing the kind of review I usually do—it would read like eight variations of the same two or three sentences—but rest assured, this is a fine little album that deserves to be on frequent rotation here at KZSU. The songwriting and performances are consistent across the album, so play any track other than #7 (“Animal & Real”) and #8 (“U.F.O. Lighter”), which have FCCs. (Note: If memory serves, we have an actual CD of the album, but for whatever reason I didn’t receive the final song, “I’ve Got You,” in the email with the mp3s. “I’ve Got You” is the odd one out on the album—it’s a slow, acoustic song where the singer mumbles as opposed to shouts. Like the other songs, it’s got incredibly moving lyrics. You can end it about ten seconds early.)

FCCs: 7, 8
Favorites: 1, 2, 4, 5