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Dionte Berry
News editor
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The dreamy indie pop subgenre that put Men I Trust on the map continues to grow as the band recently released their fifth album, “Untourable Album”.
Men I Trust first appeared on the music scene as a duo consisting of Jessy Caron and Dragos Chiriac. Their debut album was their self-titled 2014 album with heavy synths and alternate pop undertones.
In 2016, the group consolidated its sound by recruiting guitarist and singer Emma Proulx.
“Untourable Album” was released on August 25, 2021 and was broadcast live on YouTube the day before.
The 13-track album carries the band’s traditional dream pop sound while mingling with funk elements. In order, the pieces cultivate a calm atmosphere for a harmonious 37-minute play.
The track “Organon” begins the listener’s journey. From soft synths to distorted instrumentals, this track is subtle and a great way to present the album. Proulx’s voice is soft and breathy and really drives the dream away as if this song was meant to transport the listener to the fantastic landscape where Men I Trust lives.
“Oh Dove” begins with a synth sequence, with bass and drums. The synth sequence breaks and Proulx’s vocals continue the song, with synths sprinkled throughout the song.
After Proulx’s voice, there is another synth sequence, but instead of his voice, returning listeners are greeted by a vocoded voice. The vocals almost seem like a response to Proulx’s bittersweet lyrics, which return and the song ends with floating keys.
“Sugar” is one of the most catchy tracks on the album. Proulx’s vocals are supported by drums and a powerful bass with a hint of funk. Compared to the other tracks on the albums, Proulx’s voice is more prominent.
The production of “Sugar” is simpler and less dreamy compared to other tracks like “Organon”. Overall, the song creates a sweet evening in the car with a kind of window-down vibe.
“Sorbitol” begins with rounded synths and sharp drums that seem to escape from the rest of the song’s distorted landscape. Proulx’s words seem to reflect her past and at the end she concludes by saying, “Alas, I don’t know your past,” which may refer to a potential lover.
“Tree Among Shrubs” arrives with a sunny guitar and a faster beat than most of the other songs. With the guitar, Proulx’s voice is layered and it just creates a summer scene.
“Before Dawn” begins with a light, sharp drum joined by wavering synths. This song gives the impression that Proulx is whispering to the listener, with the way his voice hides behind the instrumentals. With this element, the song is heavy and mysterious.
“Serenade of Water” breaks the anonymity of “Before the Dawn” and is much more exterior. The light drums are back with a constant synth and little synth twinkles around the chorus. “Go slowly on me, slowly on me” is a catchy chorus.
“5am Waltz” takes the listener back into the hazy territory that was in “Before Dawn” with a buzzing bass and drums intro. This short track seems to be shaping up until Proulx arrives towards the end. As his voice comes in, there is a change in the instrumental making it lighter and more breathable.
“Always Lone” brings back the funky bass that itches on a wavy synth. Proulx’s lyrics describe a space where it seems someone is cooling off towards her, but she still cares about them.
“Ante Meridiem” arrives with a clear acoustic guitar, almost folk, on the wavy background synth reminiscent. Compared to the other songs, Proulx does not sing, but delivers the lyrics like spoken poetry.
This track stands out for being a little more experiential for Men I Trust.
“Lifelong Song” opens with an electric guitar and a deep synth. During the chorus, Proulx’s voice is put in parallel by the guitar.
“Shoulders” begins with the sound of rain and is joined by drums and acoustic guitar. It pairs well with the album cover, which is a photo of two kids in the rain by photographer Lynn Goldsmith.
The final track, “Beluga”, is instrumental and calm with synth, piano and the soft tapping of cymbals. Sounds like the end credits of a movie, a great way to end the album.
Overall the album is well done, harmonious and calm, which gives the album a clear vision.
Men I Trust seems to focus on creating an energy rather than a story with their lyrics.
My favorite track is “Lifelong Song”. I like that it upsets the use of the synth and the guitar, and how the guitar works with Proulx’s voice and picks up on the chorus.
Although the album seems harmonious, it approaches monotony. Many songs start out the same way with long bass, synth, and drums instrumentals as the listener waits for Proulx’s soft voice, and after a while it gets boring.
Many songs also end in the same way. “Shoulders”, “Lifelong Song”, “Always Lone”, “5am Waltz and” Serenade of Water “all end with a repetitive lyric pattern.
Overall, most of the lyrics feel like they don’t really hit on anything, just vague feelings that sound nice.
It’s an album I can vibrate on, listen to while studying, and listen in the car with the windows down at sunset, but I don’t see much more depth than that.
Men I Trust’s “Untourable Album” is a 6.5 out of 10. It’s pretty to the ears and well produced, but lacks the depth and variety that I look for in an album.
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