Collapsed in Sunbeams / Arlo Parks / January 29, 2021
- Joshua Yoo
- Feb 12, 2021
- 1 min read
Updated: Mar 26, 2021
At such an early point in her career, Arlo Parks is already a gifted poet. Her debut effort is a narrative journey that aptly explores the more difficult realities of young adulthood, the sincerity and intuition of her craft shining brightly in the current music landscape.
The spoken-word title track opens the album by giving assurance of a shared solace, but also giving preparation for the heavier themes ahead. Such themes are realized on tracks like the sunny, Frank Ocean inspired “Green Eyes,” its bright and animated groove shedding a darker light on the hardships of queer relationships, or “Black Dog,” which personally relays the difficulties of navigating depression and isolation for someone else. Parks’ lyricism weaves through like a personal diary, consistently introspective and insightful in its storytelling and messaging.
Despite citing quite an extensive list of artistic influences for various songs, Parks melds each style to her own seamlessly. From syrupy shoegaze (“For Violet”) to electronic-tinged Afrobeat (“Bluish”), the versatility and quality of execution is impressive for a first-time effort.
With such a strong display of distinct voice and vision, it can be easy to forget that Arlo Parks is still only at the beginning. Considering debuts, ‘Collapsed in Sunbeams’ hits on nearly every mark.
Highlight(s): Eugene, Caroline, Black Dog, Green Eyes, Portra 400, Bluish, Hurt, Too Good
Lowlight(s): Just Go
SCORE: 8/10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikwBBNnn2gI
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