Torrey: Torrey [Album Review]

by

Torrey
Torrey
Slumberland Records [2024]

Album Overview: Ryann and Kelly Gonsalves formed Torrey in 2018 while living in San Francisco. Both their Sister EP (2019) and 2021 debut LP, Something Happy were recorded and self-released by the band, featuring clean, shimmery jangle pop. Torrey’s self-titled sophomore album and Slumberland Records debut moves that needle somewhat as it features twelve guitar-forward tracks drifting through classic shoegaze and more subdued indie rock sounds. The album blends a softer sound overall but hits out of nowhere with layered guitar tones, vocal harmonies, and dreamy synth atmospheres.

Musical Style: Torrey’s sound oscillates between ethereal shoegaze, jangle pop, and lo-fi dabbling, creating a rich canvas that is memorable and has plenty of depth. Ryann’s vocals keep everything in line as her voice is strong but restrained.

Evolution of Sound: Torrey’s sound has evolved into a more textured and expansive realm. The controlled recording environment allowed for experimentation with alternate guitar tunings, guitar treatments, and varied song structures, resulting in a more fully considered and nuanced sonic landscape.

Artists with Similar Fire: Fans of dream pop and indie rock may find similarities with artists like Ivy, Beach House, The Umbrellas, Lush, and other artists within this indie and hint of shoegaze niche. Torrey’s sound shares similarities with bands known for their ethereal atmospheres, intricate guitar work, and introspective lyricism.

Pivotal Tracks: “No Matter How” highlights how Torrey can immerse you in their layered guitar tones and hypnotizing vocal harmonies, creating a giant dreamy atmosphere. “Hawaii” is one of the most rocking tracks on the record with a tight 1:25 runtime that has a Breeders vibe to it. “Really AM” is full of reverb-heavy lo-fi elements, highlighting the band’s versatility in balancing energy and introspection.

Lyrical Strength: Torrey’s lyrics reflect introspective self-talk spirals, revealing moments of darkness and melancholy while embracing a sense of hopefulness and acceptance. Authenticity, navigating themes of angst, tenderness, and restlessness with poetic depth and emotional resonance are all conveyed over the course of the album’s 36 minutes.

TORREY LINKS
Instagram | Bandcamp | Slumberland Records

Thomas Wilde
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