“My heart keeps beating on and on and on...”
MORE is a Swedish synth-pop band that Darkness Calling listeners should be familiar with. They first impressed me with their single “Constant Loop” back in September. Since then, I have been eagerly awaiting their debut album, as I had a feeling that there would be more (get it?) beneath the surface.
(Seriously, guys. You set yourselves up for a lifetime of “more” puns.)
Luckily, my instincts paid off. From The Past is a solid collection of 11 songs from the trio, and you would never suspect that these guys are a new act, having just formed within the past year. In that time, they’ve released a handful of singles, an EP, and now this. They deserve a round of applause for their hard work and dedication, if nothing else.
Below, you’ll find embedded links to all 11 tracks so that you can listen along with me. I’ll also be providing short reviews of each track. While I’m critical of certain elements in the name of “laying it all out there,” make no mistake: I fully endorse and support this album, as someone who’s heard more indie music in the last year than some people will hear in their lifetimes.
Let’s get started!
“THE END?” is a fitting beginning for this solid collection of synth-pop tracks. While it’s not one of my favorite tracks on the album, it does serve as a memorable opening. It begins with only vocals — “My heart keeps beating on and on and on… On and on…” — before pulsing synths and moody basslines crawl to the surface.
If this track doesn’t hook you right away, keep going.
2. Constant Loop
I’ve heard “Constant Loop” dozens of times. After all, it was MORE’s new single when I interviewed them some months back, and it received regular rotation on the Darkness Calling playlist. With that said, it’s still a fun track to listen to after all this time. There have been quite a few mornings where I found myself singing: “Oh, it’s a constant loop that leads us right back here…”
If you haven’t heard this track yet, you’re in for a treat.
3. Legacy of K
“Legacy of K” was previously teased as the instrumental b-side of “Constant Loop,” but I didn’t give it enough attention at the time. While it’s not as catchy or toe-tapping as the beast that is “Constant Loop,” it’s not really designed to be. This track has a lush musical palette: a bit softer, a bit gentler, but full of masterful songwriting.
“Memories all gone, like a phantom: the legacy of you.”
4. Sentimental Sounds
Wow. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to this song in the last 72 hours.
“Sentimental Sounds” was the debut single by MORE, but I somehow missed out on this listening experience until now. In a way, it’s actually a bit of good luck, as this song wasn’t already “spoiled” for me going into the album.
In my opinion, this is when From The Past really hits its stride. “Constant Loop” was the height of the roller coast in terms of energy. “Legacy of K” was good but a bit sleepy in comparison. “Sentimental Sounds” taps the listener on the shoulder and says, “Hey, we’re going to stay in this slower lane for awhile, but we’re going to do it really, really well, okay?”
5. The Common
Another strong synth-pop track to keep the party going. I love the little choir voice effect that plays throughout the song, and the way the chorus vocals match the synth line. While “The Common” is a somewhat bouncy/poppy track, it also captures a little more of that “goth” element that I love to hear resurrected in modern music.
6. Multiplied Lies
This may be my second-favorite track on the album, and its placement at #6 proves that this album has been masterfully sequenced to satisfy the listener all the way through.
If I have any complaints, it’s that it goes by so quickly. “Multiplied Lies” is less than three minutes long. Meanwhile, I would love to hear a seven minute extended live version in a Swedish goth club. Maybe one day…
The little beep-boops during “They’re closing the borders. They keep us in folders…”
Genius! And fun.
7. Story Goes On
I adore the first twenty seconds of this song. There’s a cool moodiness to it that might overshadow the rest.
Then again, the last bit of “I’ll always be here… There right by your side…” is one of the album’s standout moments.
In the end, I suppose “Story Goes On” has moments that work better than the song does as a whole. It may be a little less cohesive than the other tracks so far, or maybe I’m just trying to find anything potentially critical to say about this top-notch debut album.
8. One Lap
“One Lap” is undeniable fun, even if MORE’s status as a bilingual band is a little more apparent on this track. Really, that might somehow make the track better. There’s something wholesome and hopeful about the delivery of: “What do we see from the start point of our lies? And where do we go from the starting point of our life?”
The sentiment of the lyric is clear, even if the exact phrasing is a little “off.” Still, it’s a real testament to MORE and their ability to not only come together to make great synth-pop music, but to do it in a language that isn’t their first language. I can hardly sing in English. Imagine if I had to write lyrics and sing in Swedish! Yikes.
Major props to MORE and their vocalist.
9. Blank Line
This is another one of my favorites. The flat-out statement, “You are dumb. So dumb,” surprised me with its frankness and sincerity. I don’t know if this is another language barrier issue, or if there’s some seething emotion behind what could otherwise be described as a love song.
Either way, it makes for an interesting dichotomy and a fun listen. Once again, I find myself wishing that this song was a bit longer. I suppose that’s proof that I’m really digging this album.
I realize that I do a lot of description of the lyrics and vocals, but I want to make it clear that the music is stellar, as well. I really have no complaints. This is top-tier synth-pop in my book, sounding both classic and new.
10. Bottomless Low
This song really shines in its chorus, once again having the vocals match a bright, catchy synth line. Perhaps that is MORE’s “thing,” if I had to pinpoint something that defines their sound.
“Bottomless Low” conjures up dramatic images in the mind — I can almost picture a music video reminiscent of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.
“I don’t wanna die alone tonight.”
11. Macclesfield
From what I understand, “Macclesfield” may be the next single, and that could prove to be a wise decision. It has a unique sound compared to the rest of the album in some ways. The verses feel almost like a funeral dirge, and the chorus finds a way to be very catchy without being too poppy or optimistic.
Something about the instrumentation feels more organic to me, and I respect MORE’s decision to end the album on such a somber, seemingly “final” note. There’s a sense of heartbreak here — the feeling that nothing is going to be okay again. Pair that feeling with the album’s cover, and you’ve got an idea of what makes From The Past such a special album.
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