Produced in mere eight weeks, Kodaline’s second album “Coming Up for Air” is a dramatic morph of their mournful indie sound to a progressive, rock-centric alternative. It was released Feb. 9.
Inspired by their recent trip through the American Southwest, the Dublin band’s newest collaboration follows the success of their previous album, “In a Perfect World.”
The new album is several shades darker with obvious external influence from mega-bands like Coldplay and Young the Giant. Though the importance of hit-making seemed more essential to Kodaline this go-around, the album still deserves respect.
“Honest,” the first released single, strips away pretense and demands gut-level honesty through a bold mix of musical ambience. The piano starts the song off slowly, and when the guitar and drum enter, the melody comes into its own.
Although similar in style to Young the Giant and Coldplay’s “Vida la Vida,” Kodaline’s combination of soaring vocals with the instrumental lends it a uniqueness all their own. The background yells and the rapid backbeat craft an atmospheric thickness, as one feels both the heartbreak of deception and potential for trust.
The simple vocals ask a harrowing question. “Honest,” which seems so simple, takes a dark and complicated turn through Steve Garrigan enchanting vocals: “Honestly/Can’t you see/I’m on your side.” He croons, “Say what it is you’re trying to say/But if you lie to me again/I’ll be the one that walks away.” They come as a challenge, a real-time, one-sided interrogation that will either result in success or failure. This song puts the visceral back into honesty.
Title track “Coming Alive” misses the mark as an overdone, incoherent answer to softness. The melody is off-putting, as the constant clashing background synths overwhelm the delicate vocals and guitar riffs.
“Caught in the Middle” sounds similar to Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars.” It seems to be no coincidence that Garrigan’s vocals play imitation to Chris Martin’s, and even the ascent and descent of the piano chords play off of “A Sky of Full of Stars.”
Luckily, “Lost” brings the whole album together and salvages the band’s identity. The harmonizing of the chorus with Garrigan’s voice cuts through the clutter. Though simplistic, there is power in the lyrics which tell us “’cause we are ordinary people/beautiful as we are/we can still get lost.” The mundane, the tragic and the glamorous all have place in their visions.
Although “In a Perfect World” featured the more natural hits “Brand New Day” and “High Hopes,” “Coming Up for Air” isn’t exactly floundering. Influence from Coldplay and Young the Giant lends a different edge to this album.
Original fans may find fault in this new, electronic-inspired work, but Kodaline’s growth and popularity will continue to expand, if “Honest” is any indication. Their North American tour begins in April.
