Overmono have unleashed the highly anticipated debut album, “Good Lies,” via XL Recordings. Armed with an array of samples and a healthy dose of nostalgia, this collection of 12 tracks showcases brothers Tom and Ed Russell‘s unique musical vision. Emerging from the sounds emerging from most of their contemporaries, Overmono offer a satisfying blend of jungle, two-step, and trap beats, interlaced with pitch-shifted vocals sourced from often unknown R&B and hip-hop. The result is an album that transcends the boundaries of the dancefloor.
From the outset, the album captivates with its pacing and the way its tracklisting has been structured. Firstly, the previously released singles emerge relatively late on the album. More so, the choice of opening with “Feeling Plain” and its hope-filled layered harmonies and repeated refrain followed by “Arla Fearn,” with its dark energy and creepy undercurrent suggests the duo are unafraid to play with convention.
“Good Lies,” the album’s title track, is the first example of the warmth and catchiness that we have come to expect from the Welsh siblings. What is most impressive to me is how effortlessly they make it sound. The track feels ripe to soundtrack your most cherished moments at a hazy summer festival.
Collaborations play a significant role in the album, bringing fresh perspectives to Overmono‘s sonic delivery. The inclusion of slowthai, St Panther, and Tirzah adds an intriguing dimension to tracks like “Calling Out,” “Walk Thru Water,” and “Is U.” The latter features skittering beats, rich wavey basslines, and pitch-shifted vocals that sound both menacing and embracing at the same time. These partnerships strike a perfect balance, enhancing the album’s allure without overshadowing the duo’s core sound.
Beyond the upfront dancefloor anthems, “Good Lies” displays meticulous attention to digital detail. One of the album’s notable strengths lies in its production quality. Overmono skillfully weave a rich tapestry of sounds and chopped-up vocals. The juxtaposition of brooding atmospheres with irresistibly catchy melodies exemplifies their ability to strike a delicate balance between melancholy and bliss.
“Good Lies” represents Overmono‘s musical growth and showcases their commitment to pushing both their own and the genre’s boundaries. The album delivers an immersive sonic experience that captivates from start to finish. Each track is meticulously crafted, displaying a creative vision that pays homage to the past while propelling electronic music forward. As an in-family affair, you can’t help but feel that the album also illustrates the strength of brotherhood.
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