Drowners self titled debut record, for The Zine Is Dead
words by Cecilia Majzoub for The Zine Is Dead issue 5
My expectations for Drowners self-titled debut album were fairly high. I had no idea how quickly they’d be surpassed upon pressing play. If you’re searching for lustrous lyrics, splashy guitar, full bass and drums, then this is the album you need. I rarely fall so quickly for an record like I have for this one. There’s simply nothing I dislike; every song works together, perfectly orchestrated. They’re all to the point, nothing more and nothing less. While listening, you want each track to last forever, yet at the end it feels just right. Some are sweet and some are bitter, and yet there is everything in between. And lyrically, this album is truly something to covet.
Only in recent months have I realized how much lyrics can truly transform a song from just good, to great. Keeping that in mind, I was able to fully appreciate Drowners record for what it is. Listening to or even simply reading Matthew Hitt’s lyrics is like watching a thoughtful and tender story come to life; they’re incredibly novelistic, and that’s what I love most. Some of my favorites include “I feel the sweet caress/of a familiar lower lip that’s dancing on my neck” (Let Me Finish). “I’m gonna hang around/long enough to be part of the furniture” (Unzip Your Harrington). “Rip me up and bully me in jest/about the afternoons you used by sleeping on my chest” (Luv, Hold Me Down). Hitt is tirelessly unfolding a tale in each tune that can either make your heart deflate or swell with adoration. Hell, even the songs that domake your heart ache somehow manage to turn you into that little heart-in-eyes emoji. Not only are the lyrics impeccable on this album, but the musical aspects of it are as well. The tracks are punchy and catchy which marinates well with what Hitt has to say. Everything seems so tongue in cheek, yet flirty, intentional, and smart.
I want you to imagine your first crush. Remember the butterflies dancing about your stomach in curiosity and infatuation. It’s that beautiful, gentile, and brilliant sting that sticks to your gut at the mere thought of this other person. That is the exact personification of this record.
With the combination of lyrics that sweep you away and music that gets you ready to terrorize the town, Drowners have absolutely nailed it. Matt Hitt, Lakis Pavlou, Jack Ridley and Erik Snyder have created a work that is completely accessible but still so personal. There’s no doubting the authenticity of this record because it is so distinctly Drowners. Get ready to dance around your apartment Risky Business style because there’s no getting around it with this completely infectious album.
