On Digital Heartifacts, Devine frolics between mental health struggles and relationship troubles, and the interconnection between both, over an electro-pop and rock soundscape. There’s an underlying feeling of anxiety woven throughout this record, from Devine’s writing which takes a deep, intimate dive into every corner of her mind, to the choppy and chaotic production on songs such as the tense opener “Eaten Alive.”
This sense of unease is especially evident on “If I Don’t Laugh I’ll Cry,” driven by acoustic guitar and catchy drums that make for one of the most addictive songs on the album. She describes it as the “sweet spot between having a mental breakdown and total liberation,” and that juxtaposition of caring so much to not caring at all, shifting between reality and inattention, is additionally referenced by an abrupt beat-switch emerging in the final refrain.
Duality seems to jump out as a recurring thought on this album’s writing, when reaching the latter half of the tracklist, the blunt “Bully” repeats the phrase “You bully yourself / Then you’re full of yourself.” It’s unclear who Devine is referring to with this sentiment, but it’s a relatable paradox nonetheless. “Worship” sees Devine assert her deplorable devotion towards someone, punchy synths and dynamic vocal effects act as a stabiliser where she sings “I know you’re just a person / But I hold you so high.” “Hater” illustrates the battle between acceptance and self criticism, and builds with a hyperpop-esque, bass-boosted instrumental. Many songs across this record share a similar theme: they brim with lyricism that’s simultaneously hilarious and tragic, each one acting as a guts-spilling confession piece.
L Devine’s debut album is definitely a one-up on her previous works, however, with six years to perfect her sound, and recently departing from the major label she signed to at the start of her career, this is to be expected. While there is a consistent sound here, none of the songs overshadow each other - some take bigger leaps with production, but arguably the biggest leap Devine takes is extracting the courage to mull over her darkest feelings, parading them for all to savour.
