‘The Things I Never Say’ is an intimate and carefully crafted release, one which encourages introspection and reflection. This deeply personal debut album from ’90s inspired alternative rock four-piece I’m Glad It’s You shows their creativity flourishing. Poignant retrospection, stark emotional catharsis and heartfelt lyrics make this an incredibly endearing and thought-provoking listen. Intent on honesty, I’m Glad It’s You have produced a debut that comforts and refreshes, reassures and innovates.
A clear progression has been made since the release of previous EP ‘June’ back in 2014, with a heightened focus on song writing being one of the strengths of ‘The Things I Never Say’. Their flair for lyrical urgency provides the album with a mellow and compelling sentimentality, enough to tug at anyone’s heart strings.
‘Keepsake’ is one of the album’s strongest tracks. Not simply owing to its catchy riffs, it evokes nostalgia from the offset with its title and evocative reference to “old photographs”, prompting you to reflect on things which hold meaning. It’s admirably personal and enough to leave you dewy-eyed. Instead of brooding over past mistakes, they’re telling you to value the connections and things you have in the present.
Nostalgia blooms in ‘Curbside’, a track that uses serene melodies and tranquil riffs to reminisce, while vocalist Kelley Bader takes a wistful “long last look, at everything we were before”. There’s an overriding sense of positivity and strength gathering as the track progresses, shown by the impassioned howls of “if you didn’t stand by me, I’d still be alone”. Glancing back to memories past, the track reinforces the importance of cherishing and finding strength in past experiences, as opposed to dwelling on them – in order to see how far you’ve come.
‘Daydreams’ delivers a fresh burst of life. Inventive riffs blossom with vigour alongside Bader’s engaging vocals. A desire to escape reality and everyday anxiety is expressed and the fast pace adds to this sense of urgency. I’m Glad It’s You are adept at shifting tone throughout the album: the slow pace of ‘Time Capsule’ contrasts with tracks like ‘Daydreams’, conveying genuine and sincere emotion. The echoing and reverberating riffs further reflect contemplation and stepping outside of time.
‘The Things I Never Say’ is brimming with warmth and authentic emotion. Sheer lyrical honesty makes this release palpable and relatable, and the softer melodic aspects of it allow I’m Glad It’s You to be likened to bands such as Joyce Manor and Tigers Jaw. Heartfelt lyrics and catchy hooks give the album the strength that pushes it commendably above previous releases.
SUSANNAH BENNETT