By Mahnoosh Arsalan
Staff Writer
A pillar for connection, a metaphor for strength and isolation and ultimately a big, complex structure with underrated purpose, a pylon stands alone as an underappreciated and unique advancement.
Beabadoobee’s latest album, “Pylon,” released on Sept. 18, revamps the meaning of this tried and true structure, singing anecdotes about loneliness and the unfiltered part of being in one's twenties.
The album begins with the titular song, an initially melancholy ballad that explodes into a jumble of guitars at the end. Beabadoobee details a portrait of love and compares her connection with her lover to a pylon in an open field, ultimately and indefinitely connected. “Pylon” is a beautiful song that has easily found its way into fans’ hearts.
The album continues with her single, “Sun Has Set,” shifting the musical vibe to a more alternative-rock style. While the album started with a warm, loving embrace, Beabadoobee quickly turns to angst and retaliation after a burned-out love. Sonically, “Sun Has Set” is a typical, fun and upbeat Beabadoobee track, reminding fans what her sound is.
Next in the album is “Estranged” and “Switchblade,” two songs that contrast each other.
“Estranged” highlights Beabadoobee’s personal relationship with herself, a reflection on her emotions. “Switchblade” brings listeners back to that feeling of anger that was heard in “Sun Has Set.” While “Switchblade” is still Beabadoobee taking a look within herself, she seems to find anger and confusion rather than understanding and self-empathy, which is supported by the messier, grunge sound of the song.
“Write Me A Letter” follows “Switchblade,” an absolute standout on the album. The frustrating feeling of not knowing how to communicate comes for everyone, but hearing Beabadoobee write about it from a lover’s perspective gives the audience a new yet familiar point of view on the emotion. A soft but still alternative song, the rise and fall of hard and soft vocals with low drums and harsh guitar, this song lets every kind of music listener have their own sense of appreciation for the sound.
Track six, “It’s Alright,” highlights the uncertainty of a relationship. The unknowingness and thrill of it all leads one to places they’ve never been before. Beabadoobee uses familiar technique with the production of this song, a mix of upbeat yet disorganized guitar with layered vocals adds to her overall sound.
Next is “In Motion,” another standout on Beabadoobee’s record. Her initially soft and angelic vocals devolve into shouting and voice cracks in an extremely impressive and intentional way. Her use of her strained voice completely changes the tone of the song, along with the heavy and hard-hitting lyricism. Her ability to switch back and forth with the lyrics and vocals while keeping a similar instrumental background takes the song to a whole new level.
“Memories” is a nostalgic song for listeners and the artist herself. Beabadoobee captures the emotion behind reminiscing about what once was, and anticipating what will never be again. She encapsulates the formula of a typical love song but puts a tinge of sadness in it anyways, emphasizing the feeling of uncertainty of one’s own life.
“Nothing To Prove” features Hayley Williams, which is completely fitting, giving the fun and exciting guitar in the song. Williams’ vocals in the background of the song blend well with Beabadoobee’s, making this feel like a nostalgic Paramore song.
“Radio” is a song about perseverance and a sense of self. Staying strong in a time of total weakness takes effort and talent, something Beabadoobee details. Being able to stay self-assured after losing someone important can never be simple, but she makes it sound inspirational.
“Powerlines” is another standout on Beabadoobee’s record. Featuring Brendan Yates, lead singer of band Turnstile, Beabadoobee takes his aggressive voice and translates it into a soft and grunge ballad. The two tell the tale of heartache and refer back to pylon imagery with their repetitive mentioning of powerlines, reminding listeners of the connections that were once had and now lost.
“Spark” and “Despite That” are tales of grief and how to truly mourn not just a relationship, but an entire life and state of mind. The track “Satellite” brings the album to a finale, the last standout track. This song perfectly encapsulates Beabadoobee’s journey on “Pylon,” lyrically, vocally and sonically. Everything in “Satellite” reminds fans why Beabadoobee is who she is. The song truly stands as a feat in her discography.
Ultimately, Beabadoobee’s sixth studio album “Pylon” connects listeners in every way imaginable. This record hones in on a big overarching theme of connection, whether it be an intrapersonal relationship or with a loved one, there is always a form of connection when it comes down to life. Beabadoobee’s music proves that by creating a personal, interconnected record.
