Lost In Translation is out now! After the ever-building suspense that five singles created, it is finally here! Listening to the album from start to finish, it becomes obvious this is the band’s baby. They poured all their energy (and we all know they’ve got energy) and heart into these songs.
With all of the released singles, it makes it a bit easier to review this album, especially since some of the songs already have their own article.
The tracks in order:
- CIA Released on August 3rd (Probably my favorite)
- One of Us Released way back in March (seemingly the anthem of their present tour)
- Tell Your Dad (feat. Rivers Cuomo) NEW! October 6 (Is that an Asian riff influence?)
- Madeleine Released last month (Check out my review here)
- Color Green (A little bit more mellow, but so wonderful live)
- Lifeboat Released last week (Check out my review here)
- Lifted NEW! (Whoa! This is beautiful, and African backup singers?)
- Istanbul NEW! (These lyrics are gold)
- East Coast Thrilla NEW! (You already know this song is going to be wonderful
- Clouds NEW! (No! Don’t end! Wait, I’ll just replay the whole album)
“Lost in Translation represents a new phase in our lives”
-New Politics (Source Alternative Press)
I’m enjoying this phase, but it was most likely a tough growing process for the band. As they say in East Coast Thrilla, “Those mistakes, yesterday, made us who we are today” The subject matter of the songs deals with life and relationship struggles, but one of us shows they aren’t going through struggles alone.
So there is an Asian sounding guitar in Tell your Dad (feat. Rivers Cuomo). It fits in the song surprisingly well. Also, you know Rivers Cuomo, he plays in Magic by B.o.B. (yea, I just took you back to high school). and more recently played with AJR in Sober Up. It would be wonderful if AJR and New Politics were to tour together. Their sound would mesh so well!
Lifted may be my new favorite. The African sounding backup singers and the lyrics just reach out to the audience. I can imagine the band slowing the concert down to take a breath and perform this song. Speaking of concerts…
Yes! They are going on tour! This tour may be different with their new phase. One thing is for sure, I’m not going to miss it!
Keep on listening,
-Wesley A. Gehman