Album Review: Blondmodel - 'Doom, Gloom & Cheap Perfume'

Riding high on the train of other breakout bedroom pop artists from the last few years, Blondmodel has arrived with an excellent first record, Doom, Gloom & Cheap Perfume.

The Malahide duo have garnered buzz ever since their 2019 single 'Phonecall' . They've since harnessed their sound to produce their first full-length work.

Starting with 'S L O W', the influences are clear. Rex Orange County's early work was likely listened to a lot by these guys Similarly, the production of 'Tapes (003)' is very reminiscent of Tyler, The Creator - always a welcome sound to have in your arsenal.

There are also songs indebted to Kanye West's 808s and Heartbreak, such as 'Scent' and 'Leftover Wine'. Like many of the other tunes on the record, the latter has that similar aspect to 808s that even if you're not going through a break-up, listening to this album takes you back to times when you did (in a good way).

It's a pretty mean feat considering how often these types of albums can sometimes come across as 'sad boi' inc.'; vapid, self-servicing and shallow.

However, the delivery on some of the lyrics, such as the album's highlight, 'Living Lucid', comes across as deeply honest and anthemic. Particularly the way the lines "If my words were a little different, and my actions were existent" followed later by "Say you'll stay" are sung, you can't help but not root for the narrator.

Another great tune on the latter half of the album, 'Lovesong (for the one)', an ode to loneliness and the romantic idealism people can have towards 'finding the one' when you're alone, is heartfelt and cheesy in the best possible way.

The album as a whole is potentially one of the best break-up albums released in years, which bodes well for the duo's future (whether they stick to heartbreak or not).

It also has the charm that many classic debut albums have, like Definitely Maybe or nostalgia Ultra, where even non-uniform production or lyrical ticks that you can imagine some people would deem flaws, come across as unique and fresh.

An exhilarating debut from a pairing with plenty more to come.

Marks: 9/10

Key Track: 'Living Lucid'

Doom Gloom & Cheap Perfume is out now.