Lillie West, aka Lala lala, returns with a sonically brilliant record which feels as if it swims effortlessly through an ocean blue sky as it darts amongst silky crimson clouds. Unfortunately, this caramel-like indie-pop record hits the spot everywhere but falls flat lyrically. 

The grandiose nature of the sound of this record is executed in the way in which the electronic elements set a supple and charming foundation. Synths in particular are a quintessential component; they are used to orchestrate the atmosphere, particularly on songs like ‘Even Mountains Erode’ and ‘Arrow’.There is variety in the way that synths are utilised; they may be rounded and fluffy, like on ‘Anyway’, or prickly and enigmatic, like on ‘Scammer’. Once the song’s landscape is established, other elements are delicately placed to build a certain sensation.

Drums balance beautifully at the centre of each song. They are energetic and sharp in order to elevate the groovy feeling left by guitars and synths but also hold a metallic softness that matches the delicate nature of Lala lala’s vocals.

Other elements are then sprinkled throughout in order to elevate the feeling of each song. ‘Wyoming Dirt’ is capable of drawing tears through the addition of delicate piano, whereas ‘Does This Go Faster?’ uses horns to make an explosive indie banger. Instrumentally, these components then come together to make music that is enthusiastically danceable and energetic.

Atop this gracious structure, West’s incredibly tender vocals are then set free. Her hypnotic delivery is what brings everything together and creates a sound that is so enthralling.

Songs like ‘Tricks’ and ‘Anywave’ really demonstrate a bold and charming delivery. On the other end of the spectrum, the listener is able to witness some truly vulnerable and breathtaking vocal performances. ‘Wyoming Dirt’ ends the album with a tsunami of emotion. A song about the numbness of sadness. 

Words are sung because of a necessity; they are not littered all over the place, but performed and placed with intention. Everything is given space and, in turn, given its opportunity to breathe and shine. This ethos is witnessed from the start to the end of this record.

The electronic nature of this record is, at times, to its detriment. Surprisingly, the album’s title song, ‘Heaven 2’ demonstrates this as it becomes droney and lacks the human element which has allowed the rest of the record to flourish and bloom. Space is generally a well-executed tool across the rest of the album; however, on Heaven 2, there is a feeling of emptiness. Layers aren’t strong enough and don’t hold the vigour to bring the same euphoric feeling that other songs do.

The largest issue with the album is the contents of the lyrics. Lala lala sounds fantastic throughout almost every song; however, the lyricism is often bland and unimaginative. Choruses are often very vague and lack the same sort of intricacy that the instrumentals do.

There is a lot of imagery that isn’t really achieving anything. “I could leave the city, but I won’t get very far,” and “If I cut my hair any shorter, would you move with jealousy?” from ‘This City’ are examples of this. By no means are the lyrics terrible, as previously mentioned, ‘Wyoming Dirt’ offers a heartfelt description of sadness however, there is rarely a complex foundation and lyrics are often centred around surface-level relationships and problems.

Lala lala has delivered a record that momentarily succeeds in transporting you to those rare moments in life where you are in awe of the gentle beauty of the world. Hypnotic grooves and masterfully curated sounds beneath delicious vocals come together to do exactly that; however, a listener’s focus on the lyrics may disrupt this euphoric daydream.

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