We’re Not Here to Be Loved

I don’t know much about this band at all. A friend recommended this album a while ago, and I just got around to it. This is their debut album from 2022. They are a nu rock shoegaze band from Boston. That’s all I know, honestly. But let’s get to the review!

This album is heavily inspired by the 90s. Bands like Deftones or Hum had a significant influence on this record. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but for this record, it kind of is — but I’ll talk about that later. The band consists of four members. Marisa Shirar is the main vocalist, and she is amazing. She delivers great vocals with pretty good lyrics. Nothing groundbreaking, but still interesting. She also plays guitar alongside backing vocalist Anthony Didio, and that's where they earn a lot of points. The guitar work throughout the project is consistently strong, complemented by Jeremy Martin's bass, creating amazing melodies. I particularly enjoyed "Kiss the Ladder," where, in my opinion, the best bass performance is showcased.

Now, saving the best for last, Matt Wood was the drummer during the release of this album but is no longer with the band. He provided hardcore and punchy drums on almost all the tracks, which was excellent. My main issue with the record, as I mentioned earlier, is the lack of originality. They lack a unique aspect that sets them apart as a band. "Backstairs Breathing" is probably the most distinctive track on the album. It starts with a "Bossanova-esque" intro and transitions into energetic drums and guitars. I loved the concept of this track. However, that’s about it. All the songs are good, even great, but they don’t bring much new to the genre. I still appreciate the record, but the lack of originality is the only thing keeping it from being a great album. Otherwise, it’s a solid performance all around.

FLESHWATER - WE’RE NOT HERE TO BE LOVED

RATING - 7.2/10

FAVORITE TRACKS - Enjoy, Closet

GENRE - Rock, Metal, Nu Rock, Shoegaze