The latest offering from Barcelona-based alternative rock trio, Speaker Cabinets, is nothing short of a musical journey. Their sophomore album, ‘Tales From New Babel,’ is a bold and ambitious conceptual piece that transcends the boundaries of traditional alternative rock. Comprising members Nacho, Guillem, and Adrià, the trio has created a narrative-driven masterpiece that immerses listeners in the sci-fi world of siblings Suzan and Alan May. Keep reading for my thoughts!
The album kicks off with the energetic immediacy of ‘Ghost Town,’ a powerful opening track that sets the tone for the songs that follow. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and desire to escape, mirroring the dystopian themes hinted at in the band’s exploration of a futuristic landscape. As the album unfolds, it becomes clear that Speaker Cabinets has successfully blended elements of psychedelic rock, electronica, and indie rock into their infectious alternative sound.
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One standout track, ‘The Fall,’ beautifully combines shimmering synth nostalgia with anthemic guitar power, exploring themes of mutual reliance and the challenges of achieving justice. ‘Suzan May’ takes a dreamy pop turn, featuring playful piano melodies and melodic guitars that create a captivating soundscape. The infectious ‘can you feel it?’ sequence adds another layer of depth to the band’s palette.
The second half of the album maintains the enthrallment with tracks like ‘The Pyre’ and ‘Doomsday.’ The former features a charismatic guitar focus and classic-rock appeal, while the latter embraces moody synth integration and post-punk guitar tinges. The anthemic hooks and synth-rock meshing in ‘Doomsday’ showcase the band’s knack for delivering stadium-sized pop/rock moments.
The attention to detail is evident in the arrangements, especially in the guitars, which play a crucial role in shaping the album’s atmosphere. The guitars contribute to the intensity and drive of each song, whether it’s the infectious hooks in ‘Reflexions’ or the classic-rock appeal in ‘The Pyre.’ What sets the production of ‘Tales From New Babel’ apart is its ability to enhance the storytelling. The album’s concept and narrative are seamlessly woven together, creating a cohesive and engaging experience overall.
In ‘Tales From New Babel,’ Speaker Cabinets has achieved a delicate balance between punchy, accessible hooks and an immersive, conceptual pursuit. As I repeat the tracks on loop, I only find myself appreciating their sound more and more, and I’m excited for what is to come. Check out the album here!
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