Pillow Queens – Name Your Sorrow album review: The Skinny

Album review:

Name Your Sorrow by Pillow Queens is a stunning exploration of vulnerability, hope, and introspection. Dublin’s own Pillow Queens have evolved their sound from the lively, shout-along tracks of their previous album, In Waiting, to a more refined and somber tone in Name Your Sorrow. Released on April 19th under Royal Mountain Records, this album showcases the band’s growth and willingness to experiment with new sounds while staying true to their signature emotional depth.

The opening track, “February 8th,” sets the tone for the album with its droning dissolve and ethereal lyrics. The seamless transition to the bluesy bridges of “Suffer” creates a captivating listening experience, leading to sparkling choruses that will linger in your mind long after the song ends. The instrumentals on tracks like “Blew Up the World” are anthemic, while others like “Gone” take on a darker, more haunting quality. The diversity in sound and mood throughout the album keeps listeners engaged and eager for more.

One of the standout aspects of Name Your Sorrow is the alternating lead vocals between Sarah Corcoran and Pamela Connolly. Their voices blend effortlessly together, conveying raw emotion and honesty in every lyric. The band’s lyrical content delves into themes of longing, queerness, and reconciliation, creating a deeply personal and relatable experience for listeners. Lines like “I don’t wanna ruin my life but I wanna go home with you” from “Like a Lesson” and “I could feel my body beating, hated it all my life / I don’t wanna go home this weekend, I think I’m worth the time” from “Notes On Worth” showcase the band’s ability to craft poignant and introspective lyrics.

Name Your Sorrow sees Pillow Queens embracing experimentation, instrument swapping, and post-production revision to create a dynamic and colorful record. The band’s willingness to push boundaries while still staying true to their core sound sets them apart in today’s music scene. The album is a testament to their growth and evolution as artists, demonstrating a maturity and depth that is truly impressive.

In conclusion, Pillow Queens’ Name Your Sorrow is a triumph in storytelling, emotion, and sonic exploration. With its blend of vulnerability, hope, and experimentation, this album cements Pillow Queens as a band to watch in the indie music scene. From the haunting melodies to the anthemic instrumentals, Name Your Sorrow is an immersive listening experience that will captivate and move audiences. Pillow Queens have crafted a masterpiece that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the standout albums of the year.

Rating: 9/10

Written by staticwire