’80s musical flashbacks, when done well, can be pure gold. Think Van She and the Presets. Unfortunately, Owl Eyes refers too much to the frizzy hair and neon part of the ’80s than some of the cool beats from the era, and it’s not pretty. The debut album, Night Swim, from the former Australian Idol contestant constantly wanders into the annoying zone, but she does manage a few good songs.
After opening with a two minute instrumental that throws some neon and frizzy hair visions in your face, the album opens proper with its namesake, ‘Night Swim’, the standout track on the record. Owl Eyes captures her breathy and ethereal voice perfectly and takes you by the hand to the water on a dark night. More ambient than ’80s synths, it’s Owl Eyes at her best. ‘Diamonds in her Eyes’ is another goody. It’s got just the right element of synth, electro beats and delicate vocals.
But eventually you roll around to songs like ‘Golden Lies’, with Owl Eyes repeating the word “golden” over and over in this grating high-pitch. Another repetitive song is ‘Open Up’. Songs like these are where the ’80s Jane Fonda visions come in and shows a lack of songwriting ability. Even though Owl Eyes has synths and electronic drum beats thrown in, the high pitch of her voice makes you want to scream. Her voice is simply not pleasing when she strains to hit those high notes.
Night Swim is a wacky and disjointed album with no real flow. If only Owl Eyes had captured that ‘Pumped Up Kicks’ cover greatness she is best known for, she could have produced something brilliant.
Illusive
4/10
Reviewer: Stephanie McDonald