Already two albums deep into their discography, their third comes as a strong departure from their tried-and-tested punk-infused sound to deliver a more well-rounded baker’s dozen of electro-infused lush cuts.
The record as a whole is an upbeat approach that features bass straight out of Jack White’s playbook (“Brand New Car”) and funkier moments that wouldn’t go amiss in a Blossoms’ track (“Fantasies”). Bobbie rarely lets up, and when it does step away from its more euphoria-steeped ventures, there’s still an overt joy that can be found rooted deep within the tracks. “Again”, for example, opts for deeper, more sassy vocals accompanied by forceful percussions that act as the “darker” side of Bobbie, but still, amongst any other band’s discography could still be argued to be upbeat.
With this third record, Pip Blom don’t shy away from flaunting their famous friends as they deliver impressive collaborations – something we’ve been yet to see from them. Personal Trainer’s Willem Smit joins the trio for the delightfully woozy soundscapes of “Kiss Me By Candlelight”. Lent vocals add a unique depth and alternate texture to the album that perfectly complements the softer, lilty notes of lead singer Blom. The number comes sandwiched between the sultry basses that encompass “Red”, and direct synths of “I Can Be Your Man” that quickly diverge into an infectious bass-driven indie rock track.
The second collaboration, “Is This Love” ,sees the band enlist long-time former tour mate, Alex Kapranos, of Franz Ferdinand fame. With Blom’s vocals sounding eerily akin to Hailey Williams, the band take a break from their more rock-oriented approach to allow Kapranos to offer a funkier edge to the Pip Blom we know and love. Colourful and jilty, the lead single from the album firmly takes its place as the most far-out for the band yet, and it’s a direction that suits them well.
Carefree synth pop sounds see Pip Blom find their forte, and Bobbie is a smooth and impressive evolution for the indie-rock outfit. However, I can’t help but wish there was a rockier, more high-octane cut within the electro-infused project (think “School” and 2017-era Pip Blom).
