Inspired by the desire to remain present in the modern world, Sea Girls’ latest album, Midnight Butterflies, is a collection of uplifting tracks to enjoy effortlessly this summer. Most of its songs could easily slide into any indie pop driving playlist and would be undoubtedly fun to sing along to live.
This is the band’s third album and the first under their new independent record label Alt Records, it solidifies their fun guitar pop vibe, but it doesn’t do much to progress their sound. The already released title track feels familiar from the first listen, with an easy-going melody and simple lyrics, and the remaining tracks mostly follow suit. “Polly” stylishly adheres to every Indie trope, and “Come Back to Me” feels like it was built for live performance. In its more pensive moments, the album offers something more distinctive, “Horror Movies” being a particular highlight. As frontman Henry Camamile sings “Do you remember when we were younger?” there’s a noticeable emotion in his voice which is immediately contrasted by the cool, calm verses that follow, making for a more interesting listen. “After Hours” closes the album on a similar note.
The matter-of-fact songwriting throughout constantly teeters between alluring and awkward. “I miss sofa kisses, breaking dishes, all the while wearing you” cleverly conjures the image that it is supposed to, but “You’re the kind of girl who makes me sad when you’re around me” doesn’t quite land in the same way, although the consistently enjoyable melodies do their part to distract from this.
Midnight Butterflies doesn’t veer far from Sea Girls’ existing sound but it has its place as a Summer 2024 Indie Pop album with some fun tracks. It’s easy listening, catchy and cool.
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