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There’s A Whole World Out There finds ARM’S LENGTH creating the kind of gut-wrenching emo that they did brilliantly on their first album, Never Before Seen, Never Again Found, and pushing it further. This time around, ARM’S LENGTH are much more contemplative, finding the kind of profound reflections on insecurities, trauma, and identity that come with distance and retrospect.
Opening track The World builds out of a gentle introduction to bolstering hooks and impassioned vocals. Propelled by the simultaneous force of exhilaration and fear, the track sets into motion the emotional weight that permeates each track. From the wistfully confessional Fatal Flaw to the groove filled hooks that trace a pattern of toxicity in Funny Face and even the fast punching drive of the fear-riddled Halley, ARM’S LENGTH ensure that every in every moment, the tracks sonically pack a punch that delivers an equally heart-wrenching kick.
A large amount of this comes from reflecting on the past. In the melancholic nostalgia of Palinopsia, the album centres longing and retrospect as crucial to its emotional core. Lyrics are set to pack a punch, and the searing “you used to know me so well, I tell you I’m still myself, time’s just run its course” swirls around nostalgic musings and strikes at the beating heart of the album.
Up until this point, the album is ARM’S LENGTH doing what they do best. But as we reach The Wound, they push a bit deeper. The introduction of the banjo twists the album into a sonically intriguing direction. As jamming riffs emerge from the bridge, they prove that they’ve always got more tricks up their sleeve.
This propels itself into You Ominously End, where a jangling banjo riff soars out of the opening into a blasting guitar hook. ARM’S LENGTH have created a penchant for lyricism, but on There’s A Whole World Out There they push it even further. Lyrics not only hold deep emotional weight, but are crafted alongside song to create narratives that compel you deeper into the album’s heart. On You Ominously End, the group trace the story of a childhood friendship that has drifted apart, and a failed suicide attempt. Country songwriting techniques of narrative storytelling pull you into the song, and compels you to go on this journey of a strained relationship, and the deep fear of losing someone and not quite knowing what to say.
For its emotional weight, ARM’S LENGTH are also keen to poke fun at themselves and these musings that wrap up their imagination. Genetic Lottery sees the band twisting their lyrics into sarcastic jabs at themselves, “been through the ringer, called it mature for your age.” Consistently balancing the tone of their outpourings, they ensure that the album remains compelling and truthful. As the album closes, ARM’S LENGTH culminate each facet of their emotional journey and brilliantly indulge all of them. Morning Person is a cathartic outpouring, building into a grand finale in its six minute run time.
There’s A Whole World Out There meets ARM’S LENGTH at a place of vulnerability, but finds them taking off to new heights. Exploring new facets to their sound and new ways to tell emotionally wrought stories, ARM’S LENGTH have cemented themselves as one of the most exciting bands in the current wave of emo.
Rating: 9/10
There’s A Whole World Out There is out now via Pure Noise Records.
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The post ALBUM REVIEW: There’s A Whole World Out There – Arm’s Length appeared first on Distorted Sound Magazine.
