'I Can Feel You Forgetting Me': Neon Trees return after six years with an album that is pure summery bliss
Neon Trees are back with their first album in six years, appropriately titled 'I Can Feel You Forgetting Me', which dropped on July 24. The band's unmistakable sound returns along with them on this record, a gorgeous blend of post-punk and radio-ready pop that is sure to put you in a good mood.
Neon Trees dropped 'Pop Psychology' back in 2014 to generally favorable reviews. It was, after all, the perfect representation of the band's classic sound, a sun-kissed pop symphony. But what was most noteworthy about that record was how much more intimate it was, owing largely to it being a product of lead singer Tyle Glenn's catharsis via therapy sessions. Glenn, on his journey towards trying to heal and figure out who he was, which included him coming to terms with his own sexuality and identity, managed to put together a record that blended his "cry for help and sadness" with some of the most fun pop melodies out there. And that, truly, sits at the heart of what Neon Trees' music stands for: It is the perfect release, no matter what you're dealing with.
Now, six years later, the band has returned with an album that is just as fun. The record is dripping with retro sounds, lending to quite a bit of nostalgia. But it manages to stop just short of sounding dated. Opener 'Nights' is the kind of song that'll instantly get you to tap your feet and snap your fingers. It sets the tone for the album, a perfect blend of summer-ready tracks that everyone is going to want to blast through their speakers while driving along the highway. Of course, not everyone can go outside right now, but this album makes up for that by bringing the summer vibes into your home.
Announcing the album's release, the band simply stated in a tweet, "It’s been 6 years since a full-length studio album. That changes now." Their Spotify delves a little further, sharing, "A confluence of personal and shared experiences awakened Neon Trees in 2019. Following four relatively quiet years, the multiplatinum genre-busting alternative quartet — Tyler Glenn [lead vocals, piano, keys], Chris Allen [lead guitar], Elaine Bradley [drums] and Branden Campbell [bass] — reignited the spark. The musicians summoned the same rock spirit, pop universality, and disco ball-drenched grooves that millions of fans fell in love with while infusing a lot of wisdom and a little more wit earned along the way."
Their "bold and bright new chapter" comes accompanied by 10 tracks of pure pop/rock bliss, right in time to make sure no one forgot just how important they are to their genre. It's hard to really pick any one track as a standout from the album. Every single song reflects a unique take on the band's own sound, and each track features some gorgeous writing that gives listeners an intimate look into the band's journey. And as fans already share that the album's release has left them an emotional mess, it's hard to imagine this record not being a hit.