The Reds, Pinks & Purples
Unwishing Well
Tough Love/Slumberland Records [2024]
Album Overview: Unwishing Well is the latest release from The Reds, Pinks & Purples, a DIY pop project spearheaded by Glenn Donaldson. Donaldson has been active in the music scene since the late 2010s, crafting a musical legacy that balances minor triumphs and major tragedies. Under this moniker, Donaldson has now released six full lengths in six consecutive years. The project continues to embody a fusion of personal experiences, societal observations, and introspective musings. On Unwishing Well, The Reds, Pinks & Purples deliver a much more intimate setting compared to last years The Town That Cursed Your Name. The tracks stay mellow but punchy with Donaldson’s lyrics that can just bring an instant rain cloud that we love!
Musical Style: The musical style of The Reds, Pinks & Purples can be described as DIY pop with a blend of indie and lo-fi elements. The music is characterized by its intimate and introspective nature, featuring jangly guitars, dreamy melodies, and melancholic lyrics.
Evolution of Sound: Throughout their discography, The Reds, Pinks & Purples have evolved from lo-fi bedroom recordings to a more polished sound while still maintaining their signature intimacy and sincerity. Unwishing Well continues this evolution with a refined production quality and a deeper exploration of themes such as idolatry, isolation, and the human condition. The group continues to become more comfortable in the recording process as Unwishing Well sounds effortless.
Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of The Reds, Pinks & Purples may also enjoy artists like The Field Mice, The Pastels, and Belle and Sebastian. These artists share a similar penchant for introspective lyrics, jangly guitars, and dreamy melodies. Some more classic groups that come to mind are The Smiths, The Go-Betweens and Galaxie 500.
Pivotal Tracks: “Your Worst Song is Your Greatest Hit” is a cutting commentary on the commercialization of music and the pressure to produce hits. Donaldson sings it with a true conviction that you know rings true with so many other artists. “Unwishing Well” is the title track that wrestles with wellness and wishes, reflecting on the sobering reality of skepticism. “Learning to Love a Band” explores obsessive fandom and the blurred lines between idolatry and isolation. “We Only Hear the Bad Things People Say” reflects on human fallibility and the tendency to dwell on negativity as Donaldson sings “In my dreams, you’re still shining.”
Lyrical Strength: The lyrics of Unwishing Well are a standout feature as Glenn Donaldson’s introspective and evocative writing style invites listeners to contemplate the complexities of existence while maintaining a sense of emotional resonance. Each track is imbued with rich imagery and thought-provoking narratives, creating a deeply immersive listening experience.
THE REDS, PINKS & PURPLES REVIEW HISTORY
The Town That Cursed Your Name (2023) / Summer At Land’s End (2022)
THE REDS, PINKS & PURPLES LINKS
Instagram | Twitter | Bandcamp | Tough Love Records | Slumberland Records
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