Jack Antonoff has had a successful and varied career as both a producer and performer, but he tends to exist in the shadows cast by his megastar associates, from Taylor Swift to the 1975 and Lana Del Rey. Here he returns with the fourth Bleachers album, serving up an expectedly eclectic collection that underlines his credentials as a songwriter who can adapt to different surroundings.
I Am Right On Time is a moody opener with a more alt-rock sound to it, showing Antonoff’s prowess as a guitarist. The lead single Modern Girl is an infectious jolt of energy powered by its Clarence Clemons-esque saxophone riff, which recurs throughout and radiates out into a feeling that recalls the mid-80s pomp of Bruce Springsteen (another Antonoff collaborator).
Jesus is Dead is also heavy on the sax, including an extended outro solo. It puts a Bleachers spin on post-punk, offering another shift in tempo and mood.
These regular diversions work well, showing off Antonoff’s musical repertoire, including the more subdued Me Before You, where his vocals sound something like the National’s Matt Berninger.
On a similar tip, Alma Mater is a co-write with Lana Del Rey, who lends some uncredited guest vocals (singing “I’ll make it darker”, naturally) to its low-lit electro. The fizzing Tiny Moves is sure to go down well at live shows, while the acoustic Woke Up Today leans more into indie-folk as Antonoff hits his target again.
‘Bleachers’ is an ambitious album that changes direction at a few points but retains a sense of cohesion, never going off the rails. It is thrilling to hear the different textures woven throughout as Antonoff proves why he is one of the most sought after producers out there.
Bleachers Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue March 19 2024 - LONDON O2 Forum
Wed March 20 2024 - LONDON O2 Forum
Fri March 22 2024 - MANCHESTER O2 Ritz
Sat March 23 2024 - BIRMINGHAM O2 Institute
Mon March 25 2024 - GLASGOW Barrowland
Wed March 27 2024 - KINGSTON UPON THAMES PRYZM Kingston
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