Back in 2010, LA band Warpaint were much buzzed about in the indie rock community. Their debut album landed them festival slots at Glastonbury, Coachella and Lollapalooza. This time around, veteran producer Flood (U2, Depeche Mode) handles the production for the all-female band’s self-titled sophomore effort.
Notably, the band wrote the songs together working them up from various jam sessions. This shows in first single “Love Is To Die” where the rhythm section locks in tightly, continuing a groove started with the aptly named “Intro” and “Keep It Healthy”. A 90s trip hop influence is all over the atmospheric “Feeling Alright”.
Most of Warpaint takes on a haunting quality (“Biggy” and “Hi”) but on “Disco//very” the hushed vocals are replaced with disco beats, a shouted chorus and a menacing bassline. Not sounding like anything else on the record, this really stands out. There is much to like on Warpaint, however, there are a handful of tracks that aren’t quite hypnotic or ethereal enough to be truly memorable which lessens the overall impact.
7/10
Review also found at UMFM.com
The Light Appears 