Phoebe Bridgers – Punisher

Alternative – Released June 18, 2020 – 11 songs, 41 mins

ROZ’s album drop:

My pick for this week is not one of malice, nor is it one of sodium nor a troll. To tell you the truth, this pick is for me. Sometimes you think you have an idea of what something is only to find out that it’s something much, much more.

I have a confession: I call this artist sad, usually automatically and for reasons that are not genuine. To be completely honest, I’ve probably only really to 2 or 3 so their songs and only half-heartedly. Who am I to cast judgement on something that I have not given my full attention and commitment to? Well today I say no more. It is now time to found out once and for all if there more behind this veil of sadness.

And with that, my pick goes to the album Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers. Not only will I finally form a true, thought out opinion of her, I will also get a look into why Lundi is so damn high on her. It is finally time to face this head on – will this validate my assumptions or will I see her music in a new light?

Only time will tell.

REID

Mmm Skeleton babe, Phoebe B! Let’s get into it.

Punisher opens with the intro, DVD Menu. Not much to speak of here but oddly enough it does remind me a little of the musical theme throughout the show, Dexter. It must be the strings. We roll right into the song that introduced me to PB, The Garden Song. I adore this song. I still listen regularly. Her voice is so beautiful. Kyoto picks up the pace a little, the horns are amazing in this one. A close second place on the favourite song battle. Next comes a grouping of songs I feel similarly about, in that I continue to adore her vocals, I feel the production is incredible but I enjoy sections more than the full songs; Punisher for the piano, Halloween for the theme/chorus, and Chinese Satellite for the ‘I want to believe’ part. Moon Song doesn’t do much for me. Savior Complex is beautiful. The variation of instruments with that voice is very cool. ICU brings a welcome change of pace. Very nice song and I always laugh at the lyrics on the ‘Mom’. Graceland Too brings out a ukulele, which is different. The violin and uke sections are sweet, accentuated again by her vocals. Should out to the cheek chewing, let’s gooooo Rozzurection. Also HIGHLY doubt any connection but it would be cool if this was a shout out to the Hip’s Grace, Too. I Know the End closes things off strong. The instrumental at the end, with the tortured shouting is a nice touch.

There’s so much to love about this album. Phoebe’s voice is amazing. The instrument variation and production are special. They did a great job putting this together. At the end of the day though, it’s just not the type of album I’ll continue coming back to. It is super chill and slow and oftentimes too much. I just find myself wanting more, especially in the middle of the album. But that’s more about my taste than anything else. We’ll be seeing a lot more from Phoebe Bridgers and I’ll be sure to give her new work a listen.

Overall Rating – 7.2/10

Favourite Song – The Garden Song

ROZ

It is finally time for me to give the girl a chance. Lundi has been singing her praises for what seems like forever, so I took it upon myself to make this my pick in order to make my verdict once and for all. The DVD menu music has subsided and we’re off to the races.

I have to say, she does have a magnificent voice – regardless of how this goes, that would be really hard to argue against. Garden Song sets the tone early, and that tone is *drumroll* very, very somber and sad. But you know what? Sometimes there is a time and place for these types of songs, and right now I am not complaining one bit. The baritone male voice layered under her soothing vocals compliment her voice even more so and makes for a very easy and enjoyable listening experience.

Things pick up with Kyoto which is also a solid track that I very much enjoyed. I may be way off, but this track gives me “Metric” vibes; tasty indie licks that make me nostalgic for the live music experience. Punisher comes right after, and this titular track brings the tempo back down to where I assume it will stay for much of this album. All in all, it’s a really smooth track and I love the vocoder layer she has going on, so another thumbs up from me. Halloween feels more of the same, with my one comment being that I have never heard that holiday reflected upon in such a sad way. Makes me want to dress up as Eeyore next year (or better yet a hot skeleton).

Chinese Satellite hit me right in the feels and that’s all I have to say about that but yeah, this one is really good. I’m starting to understand the hype surrounding this spooky skeleton girl. Both Moon Song and Savior Complex had a similar effect, totally resonating with me during and after each album playthrough – that string of three songs ended up being the high point of the album for me. ICU brought something a little different in the form of energy, instrument layering and 808 four on the floor hits. I appreciate that Phoebe switches it up and adds some variety to the listening experience when she could have easily stuck with her bread and butter and churned out an entire downtempo concept album. I didn’t feel or notice anything important enough to expand upon for Graceland, but I will say that I Know The End has an absolutely killer outro.

And there we have it. I ended up liking this one a lot more than I expected or let on about in the past, and while it’s not a mood that I particularly enjoy experiencing very much (although when it’s needed it’s fucking there and it hits everything perfect), I finally understand the talent and praise behind the bones.

Overall Rating – 8.0/10

Favourite Song – Chinese Satellite

LUNDI

My future wife. The one that will sing me to sleep each night. Someone please buy me a skeleton suit. I love her and her music so. Was completely caught off guard by Roz selecting this but alas I’m excited to give you my thoughts on her sophomore album. 

First off I’m going to predict my fellow reviewers scores since I didn’t need to put much listening effort into this weeks review. 

Reid - he hates sad music (except Radiohead). Has never liked an album I’ve recommended in this style. I’m predicting a 2/10 is his real thoughts but he may go 4/10 to make me feel better. 

Roz - on the other hand while Roz mostly hates the sad stuff as well, his DJ background gives him more of an appreciation for the composition and development of music. I don’t think he loves this album either but there’s just enough for him to give a 6.5/10. 

Now for my brief thoughts: 

A little interlude to start which while not my favourite thing on any album, I give credit to this one for being titled DVD Menu. It’s the little things. 

We’re followed by Garden Song which gets right to what I love about her. She can create these melancholy songs and write lyrics about skinhead neighbors. 

Kyoto is my second favourite tune on the album and one of the few upbeat songs here. While it sounds upbeat the lyrics are nothing but. A song about her drug addicted dad is as dark as they come. “I want to kill you, if you don’t beat me to it” 

The next two songs I often get lost in and tend to skip these days. They’re expertly written but just kind of blend for me. I do love the opening lines of Halloween but these two don’t do much for me. 

Chinese Satellite while harrowing in its message lines up with my personal views. I love the back half of this song especially when the drum beat is added. She could have use a little more of this arrangement on this album imo. 

Moon Song is like the saddest lullaby of all time. Like CS I like the back half of this song in particular. I love how she finishes off these last two songs. 

I get slightly lost here again with Saviour Complex. I think this stuff tends to happen when you’ve listened to an album over 200 times. 

ICU is a fun song. Upbeat as it comes for PB. I simply love the lyric “it’s amazing to me how much you can say when you don’t know what you’re talking about”.

I like to think Graceland Too is a nod to Gord Downie but I assume it’s not. Kinda countryish here which I’m not in love with although I do love the point where she talks about doing mar. I’d totally do mar with you Phoebe. 

The album closes with my favourite song. I have so many thoughts which were mainly fueled by reading this article. Read it you wish but this song is so great.

Overall I’ve went to lengths both in this review and in our group chats about my love for her. This album does lose me at points and isn’t the 10/10 you may have been expecting. Her debut album stands above this one. Hope you enjoyed but if you didn’t go fuck yourself. 

Overall Rating – 8.6/10 

Favourite Song – I Know the End