NewDad take listeners on an evocative journey with their second album, Altar, delving into the experiences of starting anew. After moving from their hometown of Galway to the bustling city of London, the band pours their homesickness and the sacrifices made in pursuit of their dreams into their music. However, rather than dwelling in sadness, NewDad transforms these feelings into a sound that embraces both strength and introspection, creating an album that radiates a bold elegance.
The album takes listeners on an emotional odyssey, transitioning from feelings of unease to a sense of quiet triumph, effectively mirroring the band’s growth through its sound and songwriting. It opens with “Other Side,” which immerses the listener in a world of shimmering tension and features crystalline guitar riffs that set an introspective mood right from the start.
Following that, “Roobosh” bursts forth with raw energy, encapsulating a pivotal moment of breaking free from inner turmoil. This contrasts with the song “Pretty,” which serves as a heartfelt ode to the concept of home, capturing a sense of nostalgia and longing with its lyrical simplicity.
The overall craftsmanship on Altar is notably more refined than previous works. The band enhances its sound with richer instrumentation, intertwining layered guitars and sharp percussion that injects a sense of urgency into each track. Even during the more atmospheric segments, the music possesses a powerful directness. It feels as though the band is not only confronting its own fears and vulnerabilities but also inviting the audience to join them on this exploration of emotional depth, making each listen a shared experience of introspection and growth.
The songwriting throughout Altar reflects a marked evolution. NewDad has honed their craft, delivering songs that feel more polished and purposeful. The lush instrumentation, characterised by intricately layered guitars and sharp percussion, imbues each track with a new sense of urgency. Even during the album’s more atmospheric moments, there’s a striking directness, as if the band is bravely confronting their anxieties and vulnerabilities, inviting listeners to share in their journey.
At its core, Altar embodies a profound duality of strength and vulnerability. It reveals a band undergoing significant transformation, unafraid to lay bare the emotional toll that comes with their artistic pursuits. This album not only highlights NewDad’s personal growth but also marks a pivotal moment in their sound, a confident assertion of their identity as musicians. By turning their uncertainties into art, they prove themselves to be a compelling voice for their generation, elevating their music far beyond the scope of their origins.
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