Dionte Berry
News Editor
dberry11@murraystate.edu
The dreamy indie pop subgenre that put Men I Trust on the map continues to grow as the band most recently released their fifth album, “Untourable Album.”
Men I Trust rose into the music scene as a duo of Jessy Caron and Dragos Chiriac. Their first album was their 2014 self titled album featuring heavy synths and alternative pop undertones.
In 2016, the band solidified their sound when they recruited guitarist and vocalist Emma Proulx.
“Untourable Album” was released on Aug. 25, 2021, and was live streamed on YouTube the day before.
The 13-track album carries the traditional dream pop sound of the band while mingling with funk elements. In order, the tracks cultivate a calm atmosphere making for a harmonious 37 minute play through.
The track “Organon” starts the listener’ journey. From soft synths to warped instrumentals this track is subtle and a great way to introduce the album. Proulx vocals are soft and breathy and really drives the dreaminess as if this song is meant to transport the listener to the fantasy landscape where Men I Trust lives.
“Oh Dove” starts with a synth sequence, along with bass and drums. The synth sequence breaks and Proulx’s vocals continue the song, with synths sprinkled throughout the song.
Following Proulx’s vocals is another synth sequence, but instead of her vocals returning listeners are met with a vocoded voice. The voice almost seems to be a response to Proulx’s bittersweet lyrics, which come back and the song is finished by fluttering keys.
“Sugar” is one of the more upbeat tracks on the album. Proulx’s vocals are backed by drums and a strong bass with a hint of funk. Compared to other tracks on the albums Proulx’s vocals come through more so at the forefront.
The production of “Sugar” is more simple and less dreamy compared to other tracks such as “Organon.” Overall, the song creates a smooth evening car ride with the windows down kind of vibe.
“Sorbitol” starts with rounded synths and sharp drums that seem to escape the rest of the warped landscape of the song. Proulx’s lyrics seem to reflect on her past and in the end she concludes by saying, “Alas I don’t know about your past,” which may be referring to a possible lover.
“Tree Among Shrubs” comes in with a sunny guitar and a faster beat than most of the other songs. Along with the guitar, Proulx’s vocals are layered and it just creates a summery scene.
“Before Dawn” starts with a light sharp drum that is joined by wavering synths. This song feels as though Proulx is whispering to the listener, with the way her voice hides behind the instrumentals. With this element the song feels heavy and mysterious.
“Serenade of Water” breaks the anonymity of “Before the Dawn” and is far more outward. The light drum is back with a constant synth and little twinkles of synths around the chorus. “Go slow on me, slow on me” makes for a catchy chorus.
“5am Waltz” takes the listener back to the foggy territory that was in “Before Dawn” with a droning bass and drum intro. This short track feels looming until Proulx comes in towards the end. As her voice comes in there’s a change in the instrumental making it lighter and more breathable.
“Always Lone” brings back the funky bass which strums over a wavy synth. Proulx’s lyrics describe a space where it seems as though someone grows cold towards her, but she still cares about them.
“Ante Meridiem” comes in with a clear almost folk like acoustic guitar over the reminiscent wavy background synth. Compared to the other songs, Proulx does not sing, but delivers the lyrics like spoken poetry.
This track stands out for being a little more experiential for Men I Trust.
“Lifelong Song” opens with electric guitar and deep synth. During the chorus Proulx’s vocals are paralleled by the guitar.
“Shoulders” starts with the sound of rain and is joined by drums and acoustic guitar. This pairs well with the album cover, which is a picture of two children in the rain by photographer Lynn Goldsmith.
The final track,“Beluga,” is instrumental and calm with synth, piano and the soft tapping of cymbals. It feels like the ending credits to a movie, a great way to end the album.
Overall the album is well produced, harmonious and calm, which gives the album a clear vision.
Men I Trust seems to put an emphasis on creating an energy rather than a story with their lyrics.
My favorite track is “Lifelong Song.” I like that it shakes up the usage of synth and guitar, and how the guitar works with Proulx’s voice and picks up at the chorus.
Although the album comes across as harmonious, it comes close to monotonous. Many songs start similarly with long instrumentals of bass, synth and drums as the listener waits for Proulx’s soft voice, and after a while it becomes boring.
Many songs also end similarly. “Shoulders”, “Lifelong Song”, “Always Lone”, “5am Waltz and “Serenade of Water” all end with a pattern of repeating lyrics.
Overall most of the lyrics feel like they aren’t really reaching for anything, just mostly vague sentiments that sound pretty.
This is an album I can vibe to, listen to while I study and listen to in the car with my windows down during sunset, however I don’t see much more depth to it then that.
“Untourable Album” by Men I Trust is a 6.5 out of 10. It’s pretty for the ears and well produced, but lacks the depth and variety that I look for in an album.