Neon Trees’s ‘Sink Your Teeth’ is an acquired taste

Born in Provo, Utah, Neon Trees is a band that often tests the lines between pop and rock. Some of their immensely popular songs include their debut single, ‘Animal’, which exposed them to commercial success, and the 2012 song, ‘Everybody Talks’ which is equal parts upbeat and cheesy. Regardless of sound variation between albums, there are a few things one can rely on when it comes to Neon Trees: Tyler Glenn’s (lead singer) captivating vocals, Chris Allen’s (lead guitarist) energetic guitar riffs, Elaine Bradley’s (percussionist) compelling drumming, and Branden Campbell’s (bassist) reverberating bass guitar.

In terms of sound, Sink Your Teeth is a medley of what has come before from Neon Trees. Some songs sound entirely thoughtful and pensive (echoing the last studio album, I Can Feel You Forgetting Me, released in 2020), such as ‘Past Life’ and ‘Leave’.  Others are entirely catchy and upbeat, despite occasionally pensive lyrics (reminiscent of Pop Psychology from 2014 and Picture Show from 2012). There is evidence of significant experimentation too, with a more evolved synth-pop sound, which yields different results with different tracks.

An underrated song is ‘El Diablo’ which delivers an extremely refreshing sound

Personal highlights include ‘Favourite Daze’, which is a great song to start an album with. This track taps into quintessential Neon Trees nostalgia. It also helps that the title is a pun— ‘Favourite Daze’ as in “You’re my favourite daze of the week.” The upbeat drums demonstrate Bradley’s mastery of the instrument. Glenn’s vocals come off as powerful and electric. The general arrangement is reminiscent of songs like ‘Everybody Talks’ and provides a promising start.

An underrated song is ‘El Diablo’ which delivers an extremely refreshing sound. Catchy, with retro synthesisers, the arrangement is well done. Campbell’s skills as a bassist shine through, with crunchy drums from Bradley. While it comes across that much of Neon Trees’s discography has a similar sound, it feels that they are being extremely experimental with this track. Lyrically, the song is about partying like there’s no tomorrow, but with the trippy arrangement, some musical subtext can be added. The chorus repeats, “No, no, el diablo”, and perhaps Glenn is asking the devil to leave him alone. Neon Trees have regularly made such subversive party songs, which deal with addiction and alcoholism, while also challenging club culture and hook-up culture (for example ‘Living Single’ in I Can Feel You Forgetting Me).

‘Acting’ is interesting in that it is entirely acoustic; only an acoustic guitar and Glenn’s sombre vocals. The song discusses what it feels like to lose oneself in a bad relationship. What it feels like to act, and to play a certain part, as well as to forget oneself. A lyrical highlight is: “Grow up, get yourself some armour / Learn to shoot a gun and guard your heart ‘til nothing bleeds”. While there are other breakup tracks in Neon Trees’s discography (in the same album: ‘Leave’), the acoustic guitar with Glenn’s refreshingly breathy and unrefined vocals feel extremely authentic. The voice cracks showcase Glenn’s vulnerability in an entirely new light.

‘Bad Dreams’, track three, feels over-saturated, with a chorus that sounds like 2012 and a saxophone that overwhelms an already busy song

However, the biggest point of this album is its last track, ‘Losing My Head’, which lyrically echoes the dysfunctional, drug-fuelled, reckless partying from ‘El Diablo’, evident through “The more I know what heaven’s like / The more I’m chasing hell tonight.” More importantly, it feels like every member can equally shine in this track; be it Glenn’s crisp vocals, Bradley’s energetic drums, Allen’s excellent guitar work, or Campbell’s lingering bass guitar. A completely compact arrangement, it is hard not to feel one’s head moving in sync with this track.

However, there are some low moments too. ‘Bad Dreams’, track three, feels over-saturated, with a chorus that sounds like 2012 and a saxophone that overwhelms an already busy song. Tracks like ‘Heaven’ and ‘Paper Cut’ have interesting lyricism but seem otherwise indistinguishable from other Neon Trees’ songs. Perhaps the most disappointing track is ‘Cruel Intentions’, the ninth song on the album, with generic lyrics and a thoroughly ‘radio-friendly’ sound.

Overall, Sink Your Teeth is a largely impressive addition to Neon Trees’s discography, with some evident musical experimentation, and tracks that allow all members to demonstrate their talent. However, it is very much an acquired taste. To enjoy this album, or to appreciate it, more than one listen-through is necessary.

Recommended listening: ‘Favourite Daze’, ‘El Diablo’, and ‘Losing My Head’.

★★★