Laurel – Palpitations
The silky smooth pop talent that is Laurel returns with her newest album, Palpitations, full of all the glitter and groove we could’ve hoped for. Working her way into the spotlight since catching listeners’ eyes (and ears) with her debut album DOGVIOLET, released in 2018, the British-born, LA-based singer has subsequently built a stealthy fan base of 800,000 monthly listeners. Laurel is one to watch, as she embarks on a tour of the UK and Europe later this year.
Palpitations opens with hit number 45 Degrees, a perfect choice for welcoming back fans before debuting the new tracks. This one is found on her 2024 EP release of the same name, with all others from this EP also taking a spot on the album, including the catchy dance number Burning Up.
Throughout the record, Laurel stays close to her distinctive wild and free, airy-pop sound. This adds a sense of familiarity and comfort. However, a big chunk of the material is made up of previously published tracks, and with a considerable build-up to its release, the album would have benefitted by having more new tracks than previously released ones.
One of Laurel’s new songs, Where My Thunder Falls, is a standout. A soul-enriching, belt-your-heart-out-to kinda track, it seems to grab at the idea of reclaiming independence with a stand-off attitude to anyone who’s done you wrong in the past.
Only One is an interesting twist. Featured on its namesake EP released earlier this year, this song has a slow, aching intro that differs from most of the other track openings, which tend to be fast, breathy dance pop. Another highlight is the cinematic Heavy Heart, which features otherworldly harmonising in the background that transports listeners to Laurel’s euphonically ethereal world.
Laurel is hitting the right notes here with her signature songwriting style, something that will satisfy her current fanbase. To expand her influence even more so, however, would involve exploring a sound outside what listeners are used to, something she has managed to achieve with some of Palpitations’ numbers. It will be exciting to see where this talent will take us next, and something tells us she doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon – we certainly hope not.
Emily Downie
Image: Ale Washington
Palpitations is released on 14th June 2024. For further information or to order the album visit Laurel’s website here.
Watch the video for the single here:
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