Project Description

PLAIN WHITE T’S

‘Parallel Universe’

(Album Review)

Reviewer: Chelsea Wood

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Plain White T’s highly anticipated new release, Parallel Universe, comes as the eighth full length studio album from the Illinois quintet. Produced by Matt Squire and released via Fearless Records, this serving of 14 tracks marks the band’s return to the label, as well as a new style for the Alt Pop gurus.

Since forming in 1997, Plain White T’s have earned themselves Grammy nominations, multi-platinum sales, and have created a back catalogue also spanning across 2 gold certified albums, one of which includes the quadruple platinum chart topping hit, Hey There Delilah. Parallel Universe sees the band detour from their alternative roots to explore the electronic side of pop as a bold step into the unknown.

We’re welcomed into this Parallel Universe on a high though the bright melody of Light Up the Room. The vocals come in after a soft electronic intro, perhaps a gentle nod as to what’s to come from the rest of the album. The illuminating imagery conjured up throughout the song compliments the sci fi intended theme of the album, with the bubbly melody reflecting the vivid imagery that has been created by the lyrics.

As a stark contrast, Bonnie shows a grittier side to the bands songwriting and approach through edgy lyrics and a slight off beat style. The pace then slows down while the tone becomes apologetic, all meshed with a synth based chorus and word play for Call Me.

Top of the World is another fast paced number which brings back the band’s rock style through the return of guitar riffs. The track also allows Tom Higgenson’s vocals to shine, placing them at the forefront thanks to less electronic production.

Despite Parallel Universe being a far cry from the Plain White T’s previous work, they still manage to include some love songs. Bury Me and Your Body show the sweeter side of the band’s songwriting, and No Imitations exudes infatuation by comparing a lover to a piece of art. Meanwhile, Lips serves as an appeal to a former flame for their awaited return and No Tears suggests we can’t change what’s been and past relationships should be left alone.

Sick of Love brings in a multi dimensional production oozing 80s inspo; with this sound being carried further along the album in Lying About Me and You. Low describes a negative state of mind and seems to attract the conversation surrounding mental health.

I Should Be Dead brings back the combination of a synth led track and the band’s rockier edge, before the album is nicely rounded off with upbeat dance track, End of the World.

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It’s clear from each song on Parallel Universe that Plain White T’s have attempted to show fans and listeners a new sound and style…perhaps what they’d sound like on an actual parallel universe? The albums opens and closes with the two best tracks (Light Up the Room, End of the World) with the inbetween content often seeming too overproduced.

The band’s talent that we’re familiar with is still showcased by each song staying individual: Yes, there’s a general theme and sound to the album as a whole but each song is unique and it’s refreshing to hear. Lyrically however, Parallel Universe isn’t Plain White T’s best work. In some songs (Light Up the Room, Your Body, No Imitations) the imagery is vivid but runs the risk of being dulled by the overproduction and over use of synths, while others (Bonnie I Want You, No Tears) are either too repetitive or lyrically appear silly.

Despite this, Parallel Universe isn’t terrible as a pop album and on the surface it’s an easy listener, but it’s downfall is the over production and lyrically, it falls short, leaving the question, was this move into the unknown too bold for the band? Overall, Plain White T’s intended for the album to be a unique addition to their catalogue and with that, they certainly succeeded.

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