We’re late to the review party on CLT DRP’s September 8th release, Nothing Clever, Just Feelings and I can only blame time, myself, and my mismanagement of said time.
However, I would like to tell CLT DRP they’re wrong.
There is something clever about Nothing Clever, Just Feelings.
Something brilliantly clever if I’m honest.
It’s the insane mix of beats, vibes, lyrics, and vocals that have floored me.
But it’s also more than just feelings too. It’s honest, raw, and visceral emotions exposed at the point of inflection.
It’s fucking brillant ya’ll. Brilliant.
The feminist electro-punk trio formed in 2017 with their debut album Without the Eyes following in 2020. The album and band received rave reviews and were compared to music pioneers Rage Against the Machine. And before you eye roll, there are reasons to be compared to the icons. CLT DRP’s no holds barred attitude towards music, lyrics, and vocals mirror who they are being compared to.
Guitarist Scott Reynolds, vocalist Annie Dorrett, and drummer Daphne Koskeridou recorded at the rural Shaken Oak Studios and Daphne says the of their recording experience,
“Being surrounded by this gorgeous, serene place, it was such a privilege waking up and playing music all day, with no distractions, just fueling our passion to create something special.”
Nothing Clever, Just Feelings is more than something special. It’s a tribute to the human experience and a beacon of hope in a world that often struggles to embrace diversity and individuality. Through its melodies and lyrics, this album doesn’t just tell stories; it offers solace and understanding to those who have felt unseen and unheard.
CLT DRP‘s artistry isn’t confined to the realm of music; it’s a mirror reflecting the complexities of identity and self-discovery. Within the album’s tracks, one can find an acknowledgment of who they are and who they may aspire to become. It’s a musical journey that traverses the landscape of queerness and heartbreak, illuminating the tender and visceral emotions that define our humanity.
These songs serve as anthems of passion and vulnerability, allowing one to connect with their deepest feelings and experiences. At times, the music interlaces humour into its narratives, reminding us that even in our most poignant moments, there’s room for levity and laughter.
Nothing Clever, Just Feelings transcends the boundaries of a typical album; it’s a tapestry that weaves together the threads of lives, offering a sanctuary for profound emotions. It’s evidence of the power of music to unite us, to help us understand ourselves, and to remind us that our feelings, no matter how complex or simple, are valid and worthy of expression.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Nothing Clever, Just Feelings”, “The Door”, “M.U.T.M”, “Cake 4 the Women”, “DAILY AFFIRMATION”
FAVOURITE TRACKS: “M.U.T.M”, “DAILY AFFIRMATION”
