A deeply immersive weird and wonderful trip of an album defines No Serial Killer’s assured self-titled debut. Violently anti serial killer, the whole of the journey has a theatrical flair to it. The songs focus upon the need to let out one’s inner insanity in healthy, non-destructive ways. Considering the current state of the world, with mental health issues becoming ever more prominent, the message feels particularly apt. Everything spreads out for they give ample time to explore every possible impulse. Stylistically too they incorporate such a wide variety of genres into the mix, from the glam of New Wave to the rockabilly rhythms. Beyond this, they bring elements of indie pop, electronica, with a distinctly punk ethos tying it all together.
Influences abound throughout the whole of the album. On the contemporary side of things, their work recalls the 1975’s eclectic “Notes On A Conditional Form”. Like that album, No Serial Killer’s approach is one that feels ever so expansive, incorporating a whole slew of genres to create a hybrid uniquely theirs. Vocals recall the incredible oddity of Sigue Sigue Sputnik, for they too have a series of dramatic flourishes that seem to frame the whole of the album. Beyond this, their heavy usage of the piano recalls the playful disposition of Ben Folds Five for they too play with heart and soul.
The spirited “Bird Of Prey” opts for a distinctly late 60s psychedelic tenor. Hypnotic piano playing intermingles with the clever guitar phrases to deliver something ever so joyful. “Deep In My Heart” offers a distinct tenderness, at times touching upon a distinct 50s dop-wop flavor. Continuing down this classic rock path is the soulful sci-fi spirit of “The Sweetest Cyborg”. Determination defines the urgency of “Everyday”. Velvet Underground vibes run through the very center of “I Luv Myself” full of confidence and swagger. Grandeur overflows on the incredible “Lost” with multiple guitar riffs woven together to make something that feels truly stunning. Going for a sense of defiance is the powerful “Make It Beautiful” with lyrics that are highly personal, exploring why so much death defines the world. Nods to Queen emerge on the inspirational “Never Give Up”.
“Yes I Do” features a unique, twee sensibility with lyrics that have a warm, welcoming presence to them. Nicely capturing the abstraction of online friendships is “Celia”. Darkness ties the whole of “Have You Seen Sue” together, with lyrics possessing a pointed yet realistic sharpness. Bursting with so much energy is the galloping groove of “My Friend”. Proving to be a clever storyteller is the thoughtful “I Don’t Mean Maybe”. Warped, woozy effects make “So Alive” the highlight of the album, with a giddiness that proves to be positively infectious. Intimate and stripped down “Duvet” has a humorous, tongue in cheek quality. Things slow down considerably on the reflective atmosphere of “Summer”. Effortlessly bringing it all to a colossal close is the powerful “The End”.
No Serial Killer comes way out of leftfield with their delightfully unreal self-titled effort, a thing that lingers in the mind like a half-forgotten dream.
The whole album can be found here:
https://noserialkiller.bandcamp.com/releases
7.8/10
