Fancy embarking on a journey to another universe? I think most of us would be happy with a guilt-free trip anywhere at the moment. It’s a shame I don’t need to test my eyesight. For my fellow sight confidants/not idiots, I offer you Gene Pool’s latest album, Space Inside. Pack your imaginary bags, folks! Here’s a quick overview of what to expect.
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Dark Clouds
Gene Pool welcome us into their weird and wonderful musical world with Dark Clouds. We’re greeted like an old friend and encouraged to sit back, relax, take a drink and prepare for the unpredictable. It’s a lovely, almost creepy song, which leaves us perplexed and intrigued by what’s to come. I feel like I’m on a trip to an unknown planet, and I’m cool with the whole idea. I’ll have a brew, please.
Silver Suit
Think Wild Wild West meets sexy rumba. This track showcases the unique, colourful flare of Gene Pool. It’s energetic and theatrical with an injection of slow, ethereal moments reminiscent of The Beatles in their Because state of mind. Silver Suit comes to a dramatic synth-rock end, and we’re left wondering what could be next. A bold and creative first real dive into Space Inside, which sets the tone for the rest of the album.
The Pull
Soft, gentle rock and dreamy trance sounds have you sinking further into your beanbag with your brew, but it’s not all nice and cosy. The Pull leads us down a different, darker path. We’re taken on an emotional and instrumental journey through haunting, melodic lows, and funky, stomping highs. It’s a whole host of styles rolled into one enormous, eclectic performance.
Bees
Soothing vocals from Sarah Ryan and smooth jazzy instrumentation show us yet another dimension to Gene Pool’s sound. The wonderfully chaotic style stays strong as Bees takes a funky, punchy instrumental twist before sinking back down to a comfy, ethereal, smooth jazz pace. Echoes of a massive thunderstorm roll in, to bring the song to a reflective end, steeped in drama.
Birthday Fingers
This track very much reminded me of my recent running attempts. Generally slow, steady and sulky with the odd burst of aggressive energy. The bass line steers the song with confidence, spirit and character, meeting with dark and intense vocals. There’s a punk attitude to Jack Pool’s words, amidst the funk.
JLD (Johnny’s Lonely Disco)
Gentle, emotive piano kicks off JLD, and everything is right in this mad universe once again. The unexpected introduction of thudding electronic beats and synth overtones transform the mellow, melancholic vibe into something upbeat and jovial. In typical Gene Pool style, the song becomes something unrecognisable from the start. Electronic pop takes over entirely, and I suddenly feel like I’m dancing with Johnny at his disco.
New World
In this track, the electronic style continues, joined by more funky, alt-rock instrumentation. Gene Pool explain “New World faces confusion as to whether or not life has improved and our character finds nothing has changed”. The storytelling element of Space Inside is something you rarely come across. It’s unique, extravagant and incredibly creative throughout.
Tony
The album comes to an end with an atmospheric spoken-word monologue. Get tucked in with your teddy and listen to a heartwarming love story about a square who falls in love with a circle. It’s an emotive, contemplative conclusion to a dramatic musical adventure.
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Space Inside is an edgy, artistic, captivating album packed with unexpected twists and turns. Don’t miss an opportunity to relive the days of mind-blowing bedtime stories and out of this world adventures.
