Los Campesinos!
All Hell
Heart Swells [2024]
Album Overview: Los Campesinos! is a Welsh indie rock band that formed in 2006. Known for their energetic performances and lyrically dense songs, the band has evolved significantly over their career. Their discography includes a mix of critically acclaimed albums, with Sick Scenes (2017) being their most recent release before All Hell. This record marks the band’s return after a seven-year hiatus and is their seventh studio album, the first one self-released and not under their longtime label Wichita. All Hell highlights how consistently strong Los Campesinos! have been over the years, delivering solid record after solid record. The band does not shy away from their emo tag while bringing different styles of indie rock on All Hell with a matured sound, retaining their distinctive lyrical style. The album features memorable catchy hooks, big rock-out moments, and quiet simmering, soaring numbers, making All Hell one of Los Campesinos!’s best records to date. This is not a record they could have made back in 2008, but it showcases how a band can age gracefully.
Musical Style: The album combines the band’s characteristic indie emo rock foundation with refined production techniques. It incorporates a mix of vibrant melodies, dynamic instrumentation, and rich harmonized vocal arrangements. The addition of string and saxophone arrangements adds depth and complexity to their sound.
Evolution of Sound: All Hell reflects a more polished production compared to earlier works. The band revisits and enhances elements from previous albums, integrating familiar themes with new, innovative approaches. This evolution is evident in the more sophisticated vocal ranges and diverse instrumental textures.
Artists with Similar Fire: Bands like The New Pornographers, The Beths, Slow Club, Truth Club, and even some Blur have similarities to Los Campesinos!’s sound, especially in terms of their lyrical smarts, layered instrumentation, and energetic delivery.
Pivotal Tracks: Key tracks on the album include the continually building “Feast of Tongues,” the big-sounding “A Psychic Wound,” and other notable songs like the emotional rocker “0898 Heartache” and “Kms,” which features Kim Paisey on lead vocals.
Lyrical Strength: The album’s lyrics continue to showcase Gareth David’s unique writing style. Known for his clever wordplay and engaging storytelling, he continues this trend on All Hell. The lyrics blend humor with introspection, creating a captivating listening experience that just makes multiple listens of All Hell that more rich.
LOS CAMPESINOS! REVIEW HISTORY
No Blues (2013)
LOS CAMPESINOS! LINKS
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp
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