city-of-harmony

[city-of-harmony]

I wish blonde people were real...

[city-of-harmony]

Always Live For Always (A.L.F.A.) by Skott

ambient indie pop artist Skott has been making music since 2016, but Always Live For Always is her first ever full-length album. it came out quite recently, on June 26, 2020, and it is a pretty good mix of new songs and old favorites. as a huge fan of her unique style of music for quite a while, i cannot express enough how excited i was for this album to come out--and you know what? i was not disappointed.

1. Stay Awake - 7/10

Do you ever think About the things that could have been? Do you ever dream like I do? Do you keep it close to you?

this song is a new one! it starts out gentle, and while the drop in the chorus isn’t the hardest hitter in the world, it suits the light, wistful nature of the song perfectly while still leaving you with goosebumps. i like this song--it’s very reflective and hopeful while still having a dark overtone. very evocative of and true to Skott’s overall style.

2. My Name - 6.5/10

You had the best of me Do you remember what it's like? My name is haunting you You cannot run from what you've done

another original song from this album, My Name is quite chill and subdued. not quite as soft as, say, Midas, but it’s still a very calm vibe. i really like the horn lead (and the classic Skott pseudo-choir) in this one! that being said, i think the ending could have been a bit stronger--i’m just not about studio fade-outs, i guess.

3. Talk About Me - 6/10

Ooh, your insecurity is a state of mind And you better make a scene or get left behind Cause everything's forgiven on the day you die, right

this song was released as a single about a month ago, if i’m not mistaken. it’s catchy! the lyrics in particular appeal to me a lot (and no, it’s not just because they mention my home state, lol). i like the cheeky arrogance, the satirical portrayal of celebrity culture. however, this sounds a little too much like mainstream pop for me, personally, which is why it’s ranked so low on the scale. the style of the song definitely suits the subject material, but it’s not up to my personal taste, so! alas!

4. Bloodhound - 6/10

'Cause I’ve been planning for an alibi To take you out of sight, take you out of mind Every second, every minute counts I release the hounds and they’re running out

ah, Bloodhound. this was the first song that Skott released under her own record label, Dollar Menu. the vibe of this song is very dark and mysterious, and that hook is so catchy. for whatever reason, i don’t particularly have much to say about this track. it’s not bad! not my favorite, either!

5. Benz - 7/10

I stayed up all night Trying to figure out How you got everything That I never needed

i must say, i’m kind of impressed in particular with Skott’s vocal performance in this track! her voice has always had an ethereal quality to it, but the subtle ornamentation she uses in this track really makes it shine. i also really like the synths; it sounds very 80s, and i think the slight cheese factor really works for this song.

6. Porcelain - 9/10

We have got the power of destruction You can always let it fall But when we try to work on something solid It is too goddamn hard

this is it. this is where it all began: Skott’s first single, now finding its place on her first album. this song is beautiful. from the pensive lyrics to the lovely ornamentation to Skott’s impressive vocal range, this was a very strong start to her career. hearing it now makes me feel such a sense of pride and nostalgia. it still holds up today just as strongly as it did 4 years ago.

7. Midas - 4/10

Always, always live for always Till we die together

okay. i’ll say it. i don’t like Midas. i’ve tried to like it, but it’s just not for me. Skott’s voice sounds lovely, for sure, but the stark instrumentation, the King Midas allegory that sounds, imo, a little convoluted...i dunno. this is probably the weakest track on the album for me.

8. Kodak & Codeine - 8/10

Sometimes you go dark But it’s a darkness I go mad for

on the flip side, i absolutely Do like Kodak & Codeine. that piano hook, that driving bass, those BELLS...ough. i get chills. this is a well constructed song. it’s a song about a toxic relationship, i’m pretty sure? honestly, the lyrics aren’t...the best at communicating the message, i think, but whatever. she’s Swedish, i’ll give her a pass. based on sound alone, this song is one of the strongest on this album. a shame i don’t listen to this as much as i should!!

9. Amelia - 10/10

I swear if you reach that door You're not welcome anymore

Amelia is an oldie but a goodie, and it really tugs at my emotions. it’s so haunting. the harp, the lyrics, the chorus of almost ghostly vocalizations throughout the song...i know Skott has talked about the intended meaning of the song, something about young love or whatever, but to me it sounds a lot more like escaping from a toxic domestic environment. maybe i’m just projecting!! but that would suit the overall vibe much more. anyway, i’ve always loved this song. this is the standard i tend to hold other Skott songs to, lol.

10. Burning Incense - 8.5/10

And I hate how it just don't make sense How I feel more lonely with you than myself I don't understand

if there was one word i could use to describe this song, it would be immersive. something about it just sucks you in and it feels like you’re wrapped in it. this is a perfect mix of all of Skott’s styles, from her driving beats to her deep orchestral environments to her soft vocal-focused moments. this is an excellent new entry into her discography. a delight to my ears. not to mention the depth of the lyrics--it’s not often that you see songs that address the problem of loving someone who doesn’t fit together with you in the way you need them to.

11. Settle Down - 10/10

I think I've found it There's just nothing I would rather do Now that I've found it Would you let me settle down with you

the last song on A.L.F.A. is a love song, which is quite rare for Skott--and it’s a good one! my goodness is it good. the melody, the instrumentation, the beat, the lyrics, everything works together so well and sounds incredible. it’s so refreshing to hear a brighter, happy sound from Skott. she still has that haunting overtone, of course, but this song is the kind of song that closes out the album with pleasant satisfaction and a great taste in your mouth. this has to be my favorite new release.

Average Album Score: 7.5/10

well! there you have it! i think i’d call this a successful debut album! all of these songs are incredibly true to the niche that Skott has carved out for herself, and i absolutely recommend every single song on this album (yes, even Midas).

[city-of-harmony]

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