ALBUM REVIEW: Pale Waves – Smitten

Dirty Hit

Released: 20.09.24

Smitten, Mancunian four-piece Pale Waves’ fourth studio album, marks a change in the previously indie band’s style. As with their last two releases, Pale Waves continue their journey away from their roots towards poppier, more mainstream fashions. Though their neo-goth aesthetic is not going anywhere.

Smitten’s spirit is illustrated comprehensively within its singles: Glasgow, Gravity and Perfume. Shimmering jangling guitar, Cranberries-inspired yodel-garnished vocals, and general y2k vibes combine to create a sickly-sweet earwormish effect, with lyrics concerning femininity and queer love. However, these lyrics lack depth and originality, and the overt catchiness of every song results in a fairly bland monotony throughout. The album’s tracks may be well-suited to background party music, but unfortunately offer little that hasn’t been heard before.