JJ Lovegrove is an accomplished artist. I knew that much about her before I even got this song to review. She’s been the atmosphere for a few melancholy evenings around the house. She has a gift for putting me in a pensive state. It’s funny, this isn’t the first time I’ve listened to her while writing, but it is the first time writing about her. Her song, “Better,” works for me. Check that out after you check her new song, “Dark Room.”
The first thing that hits me over the first 30 secs is the sensation of nostalgia. I remember rocking out to sounds this lush. It was when I worshipped Pet Shop Boys, or Cocteau Twins, or any of the best Synth/Dream Pop I can think of. Whole effects units designed by some of those classic bands seem to be in use here. It’s impressive how clear the mixing is. Every layer, every sound, every little thing serves this mood.
As far as describing how it sounds, if that’s why you’re reading this and not listening to “Dark Room” already. The drums are going full throttle, but the sonic thickness around them puts them nicely in a pocket. The synth sounds are absolutely huge. You get a sense of everything going on when the drums stop for a second. But when they come back, the space opens up again. One thing about well produced songs is they can give you a sense of room and all the instruments are there in that room together. It is a way of keeping the listener in, and it is hard to do. Even though most people record inside, they have a tough time recording even the rooms they’re using, let alone making virtual ones. This music is cohesive. Not only have they masterfully recorded an open space, they make it small and big, almost like they’re having fun with it or “jamming.” Enjoy the quality here, it’s rare.
The lyrics serve their purpose and give me something to sing that doesn’t make me feel stupid. One thing about me and this song, I too, often require a “Dark Room.” I have a little anxiety condition and nothing mellows me out like headphones and a dark room. I feel like this song was made for me. As far as a story in these lyrics, I’d love to hear it, but it isn’t required. They don’t reveal everything. I do this too in my writing. It has to fit the meter.
One thing that has been true for a long time about JJ Lovegrove, she doesn’t mess around wasting peoples’ time with sub par effort. This song works. It took a lot of work. I can’t wait for the album coming in August. Here’s a link to the song, “Dark Room.”