Lydia Night never hides her intentions, at least as far as album titles go. Further Joy, the third record from the Regrettes, is indeed a happy experience, almost functioning as a bit of a retort to How Do You Love?, their emotionally charged sophomore set. Night leaves behind a roiling romance along with the remaining vestiges of punk that lingered from their cracking 2017 debut Feel Your Feelings Fool!, choosing to immerse herself and her band in stylish pop that echoes new wave while sounding of-the-moment in 2022. ...
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Lydia Night never hides her intentions, at least as far as album titles go. Further Joy, the third record from the Regrettes, is indeed a happy experience, almost functioning as a bit of a retort to How Do You Love?, their emotionally charged sophomore set. Night leaves behind a roiling romance along with the remaining vestiges of punk that lingered from their cracking 2017 debut Feel Your Feelings Fool!, choosing to immerse herself and her band in stylish pop that echoes new wave while sounding of-the-moment in 2022. Working with producers Jacknife Lee and Tim Pagnotta, the Regrettes push hooks to the forefront, then choose to decorate their melodies with gleaming synthesizers, vocal harmonies, drum loops, and effects; guitars are buried in the mix, pushing rhythms forward or providing a different shade or feel. Night does indulge in some angst and profanity within her lyrics, but the thrust of Further Joy is unmistakably positive, an album where the Regrettes deliberately choose positivity instead of negative energy. This could've been a cloying direction if it weren't for Night's sharp skills as a songwriter, the palpable chemistry of the Regrettes, and the sleek shine of the production, each contributing to the exuberance of Further Joy. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
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