Arlo Parks — My Soft Machine — Album Review
Alternative | Pop | Indie
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Music
It goes without saying that London-based singer-songwriter Arlo Parks is an artist that has been on every music lovers radars in recent years. The way in which the artist exudes an immense sense of tenderness within her music is truly one of a kind.
This felt very apparent on her debut studio album Collapsed in Sunbeams, which was released at the early stages of 2021’s musical year. It was only through a feature or two in which I had heard Arlo Parks prior to this debut project, and it was a truly heartwarming experience to listen through that album.
And with that said, the hype surrounding a new album by Arlo Parks was certainly high. Thankfully, for those that felt the same way, that prayer was answered by the release of Arlo Parks’ brand new album, My Soft Machine.
Given that there was just over a two year gap between this album and the last, I was curious to find out how Arlo Parks’ musical style might’ve changed. And if you haven’t yet heard this album, you might be wondering the same thing.
For starters, Arlo parks retains all of the elements that made her appeal so strong, primarily the aforementioned tenderness that helps the artist become so easy to engage with and relate to as a listener. However, there are certainly elements on My Soft Machine that feel markedly different to the last project, which is where my praise towards this new album fully came to life.
While Arlo Parks’ songwriting and vocals stand as the familiar element on this album, the production this time around felt far more varied this time around. While my praise towards Collapsed in Sunbeams still stands true, I would say that there was more of a lo-fi element to that albums instrumentation, that I felt held Arlo Parks bit ever so slightly.
On the flip-side, this album’s varied fusion of musical elements had a far tighter grip on my attention span, whilst never betraying Parks’ aesthetic and personality, which shines brightly through her vocal deliveries.
My Soft Machine feels just as much of a vibe as the likes of Collapsed in Sunbeams; if not that, it is even more so. Being a summer release certainly helps with this as well.
If you caught my last review of the joint project by KAYTRANADA and Aminé, then this album gives the other perspective to the same argument I had on that review. Being a summer vibe can only get you so far. But in the case of My Soft Machine, the excellent atmosphere laid bare by both vocals, narrative, and production provide a far more heightened experience than just that.
In short, My Soft Machine is certainly my favourite component of Arlo Parks’ entire discography, and is an even deeper introspection into the artist’s lovesick aesthetic. And above all, it has atmosphere in spades; now that’s how you make a summer album!
Favourite Tracks: Devotion | Blades | Weightless | I’m Sorry | Room (red wings) | Ghost
Least Favourite Tracks: Impurities
Transgressive Records
