Review
Are you ready for an album that's all about embracing the carefree spirit of summer vibes? Let me introduce you to AJR's *Neotheater* (2019), a thrilling 12-tracks-long journey into youthful introspection! Brothers Jack and Ryan Met, the masterminds behind this upbeat masterpiece, weave a captivating tale of growing up, with upbeat instrumentals like horns, electronic flourishes, and some seriously catchy vocal hooks that will have you singing along. They expertly merge these upbeat beats with darker themes, capturing the anxiety and nostalgia that often come with your twenties.
I'm totally loving tracks like the anthemic "100 Bad Days," where life's mishaps become building blocks for character, and the heartfelt ballad "Dear Winter," a heartfelt letter to the future, stripped down to its emotional core. The production sometimes goes big, but the album's heart belongs to its honest storytelling, capturing that fragile optimism we all feel as we navigate this journey called adulthood. Trust me, *Neotheater* is a must-listen to turn any day into a sunny one! While painting on my rooftop garden or just jamming on my walk to work, these songs fill my ears with pure energy and boxed all that angst and uncertainty into a beautiful sonic package. - Skye
