New Politics – Lost in Translation Review

Julie Ye | Writer | USD Radio

Danish alternative band, New Politics, released their fourth studio album, Lost in Translation, on October 6, 2017. The 10 track compilation showcases the alt-rock trio’s diverse musical genres, instrumental styles, and lyrical evolvement while spreading the message of unity and self-love. After eight years since their formation, the newly released album signifies a new chapter for the band–making Lost in Translation all the more special.

 

To excite fans before the official album release, the band published a statement on Tumblr saying, “Lost in Translation represents a new phase in our lives. After years of constant touring, it was important to us that we reinvent ourselves, and [we] wanted to write honest songs about the real things happening in our lives. We spent a lot of quality time together in-between albums as friends, watching movies, hanging out, and talking about our future plans. That brotherly love and bonding initiated the first batch of songs that has helped us shape the album.”

 

The album begins with, “CIA,” a track that embodies the classic New Politics sound of catchy hip hop beats, rock influences, coupled with David Boyd’s electric vocals. This catchy tune will surprise listeners with the addition of an unexpected twist during the bridge that resembles childlike melodies.

 

The band then slows it down with “One of Us.” The second track originated from a hangout session amongst the band members to celebrate their brotherhood and friendship. It is an uplifting song that will inspire listeners to appreciate and reflect on their own personal friendships and experiences.

 

Lost in Translation contains many instances of the band’s experimentation with various styles and genres. Cultural influences are well represented within the album with tracks like “Tell Your Dad” which begins with an Asian inspired guitar melody, the blissful and comforting song “Color Green” accompanied by a refreshing folk-like twang, and the powerful chants echoed in “Lifted”. The band also ventures into different instrumental sounds such as those in “Istanbul” and “East Coast Trilla,” which is driven by electronic sounds and percussion.

 

Sticking to their roots, the trio made sure to include songs that embraced the essence of New Politics through the addition of “Madeline” and “Lifeboat”. “Madeline” begins with a fun little piano diddy that gradually picks up energy and tempo. The song then smoothly transitions into a “Harlem” styled melody,  a track from their album, A Bad Girl in Harlem, released in 2013; returning listeners will surely appreciate the reference. Furthermore, the band’s quintessential style of anthemic and highly energized music is clearly demonstrated with “Lifeboat”. This alternative rock influenced tune is powered by heavy guitars and drums to produce an upbeat foot-tapping track.

 

To tie the album together, Lost in Translation closes with “Clouds.” The inspiring and moving spirit of the song gives listeners a sense of togetherness and unity while spreading the message of love and hope.   

 

Through candid reflection, the trio crafted an album centered around their life experiences and the lessons they have learned along the way. From their Tumblr post, the band adds, “a lot of the songs are about personal experiences and the things every human goes through and it was nice to let go of the rules we had laid out for ourselves. It’s a new era for all of us, and we’re proud of how it’s turned out. Lost in Translation means that we’re all searching for something, whether it’s a voice, meaning, a place where we belong; we all face our own challenges. This is about shaping your reality and trying to make sense of the journey along the way.”

 

New Politics continues to show growth and evolvement with each album release. With Lost in Translation, the trio took risks to creatively package a collection of tracks that incorporates a wide range of musical styles while successfully maintaining their familiar sound and positive spirit. This refreshing new collection of songs is a transition that longtime fans of the band should keep an eye on. As for new listeners, the compilation may be a turnoff for those who are unfamiliar with the band’s musical style but they will slowly warm up to them after a few listens–trust me, they’re catchy.

 

Recommended if you like: Twenty One Pilots, Walk the Moon, Panic! At the Disco

Album Highlight: “Lifted”