Arielle: Analog Girl In a Digital World Review
It seems I’m lagging behind. Arielle shakes the bubbly and starts the party with what is unbelievably her ninth album Analog Girl In A Digital World. Upbeat, harmonious, and bursting with flashes of power-pop and blows of organic rock, this ‘social gathering’ isn’t designed for a modern culture obsessed with connecting to their Wi-Fi and fishing for likes and that next friend request on Facebook.
All of the songs on this nine track LP were recorded in one take, with one half of the album recorded in digital and the other half in tape to capture the influence that ’60s and ’70s music had on the 30-year-old singer/songwriter. Clocking in at just over 27 minutes, you certainly don’t feel like a guest that has overstayed their welcome, but will undoubtedly be leaving in a buoyant mood once you’ve heard her new signature guitar The Arielle ‘sing like a bird.’
“Dial-Up” is a warning to our reliance on the internet through a 31-second archaic throwback when you had to wait patiently for your computer to perform a symphony just so you could get access to the online circle. This conveniently leads into the album’s longest composition “Digital World” with lyrics again alluding to the joy of old school civilization. Think of coke in glass bottles and when kids used books to satisfy their thirst for knowledge. Despite Arielle’s obvious digital despair, the catchy chorus hook reels you in and gets you bouncing and beaming.
Lead single “Peace Of Mind” again unwraps a Cheshire cat grin which features a classic punchy Rickenbacker sound and wonderful vocal delivery. “This Is Our Intervention” strides and delivers a dose of heaviness to the action with multiple tempo changes before a florid drumming outro seamlessly rolls into “Still A Man” which summons the brashness and pulsating rock ‘n’ roll smut from just over half a century ago.
The recently released track “Inside and Outside” is scattered with different six-string layers and textures as Arielle’s voice reminds the listener of one Stevie Nicks. “I’d rather be in England” adds yet another chipper chorus to the mix and even includes a quick burst of the national anthem which serves a cheeky nod to her biggest champion Brian May. Culminating with “Reimagine Redefine”, this beautifully crafted album closer is melodic with a touch of psychedelic ingenuity and the first (and sadly last) hit of overdriven, extra dirt on her unique, hand-built guitar. In many ways, it reflects Arielle’s approach to her talent labeling herself as a ‘songwriter first, then a singer, and then I play guitar.’
Analog Girl In A Digital World may be the perfect pick-me-up for those of us still reeling from lockdown restraints or exasperated by the otiose pomp of social media. I expect this album to receive plenty of likes.
The Review: 7.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Digital World
– Peace Of Mind
– Reimagine Redefine
The Big Hit
– Digital World
