Having previously featured English Teacher with the videos for “Albert Road” and “R&B,” the level of anticipation for their debut album had reached near hysteria at Cougar HQ. I’m delighted to report that “This Could Be Texas” not only lives up to but surpasses expectations, firmly justifying the hype surrounding this Leeds quartet.
The album kicks off with “Albatross,” a contemplative affair that gradually builds to a punchy crescendo. Lily Fontaine‘s distinctive vocals guide the listener through introspective lyrics, backed by a melody that lingers and digs into the back of your subconscious. It’s an opener that draws you in with its nuanced approach, showcasing the band’s ability to blend indie rock sensibilities with a hint of Britpop nostalgia. Moving swiftly into “The World’s Biggest Paving Slab,” the band keeps the momentum going with a driving rhythm section, shimmering guitars, and lyrics that oscillate between introspection and wry observation.
“Broken Biscuits” slows things down a notch, offering a poignant reflection on life’s imperfections, backed by a melody that feels plucked from a movie soundtrack. With a focus on open spaces, the band allows the track time to fully unfold, revealing new aspects at every turn. Fontaine‘s vocals shine again on “I’m Not Crying You’re Crying,” a track built on a call-and-response vocal refrain that balances vulnerability with resilience.
As the album unfolds, tracks like “Mastermind Specialism” and the title track “This Could Be Texas,” with its glorious orchestral crescendo, showcase the band’s ability to blend deeply intimate moments with intricate instrumental passages. Each song feels like a journey through a familiar city at dusk, where every corner suddenly reveals new landmarks previously unexplored—captivating with their raw beauty and inviting further exploration.
“Not Everyone Gets to Go to Space” injects a dose of whimsy with its playful lyrics and infectious energy, while the amazing “R&B” harkens back to the band’s earlier releases, offering a brief reminder of what made us sit up and take notice in the first place. “Nearly Daffodils” and “The Best Tears of Your Life” inject some immediacy into the mix while continuing to captivate with their instantly quotable lyrics and dynamic arrangements. Crucially they continue to the trend of keeping listeners engaged from start to finish.
“You Blister My Paint” and “Sideboob” showcase English Teacher‘s versatility, with the former delivering a raw, vulnerable edge and the latter embracing a more laid-back groove. The album culminates with the single “Albert Road,” a sprawling epic that brings together all the elements that make English Teacher‘s music so compelling—poignant storytelling, infectious melodies, and a sense of urgency that leaves a lasting impression.
‘This Could Be Texas’ is an utter triumph, solidifying English Teacher‘s place as one of the most exciting bands to emerge from the UK in recent years. With this debut album, they not only deliver on the promise of their earlier work but also set a new standard for debut albums to come, showcasing a blend of maturity, innovation, and raw talent that is simply enviable.
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