Norwegian art-poppers Mall Girl return with ‘Poolside Person’, their latest burst of energy. With debut album Superstar out in April and a series of successful singles released already, this latest number looks to continue the good times and land Mall Girl in a few more good books too. After many, many listens, they are certainly in mine.
In spite of COVID putting an obstacle in their recording plans, the band got creative with their new limitations. Like a lot of the material on Superstar, ‘Poolside Person’ was pieced together by parts recorded by each member in separate studios. Somehow, even with the distance between them, Mall Girl manage to create a sound that could not be more in your face.
The airwaves are immediately ripped apart by shuddering guitars that burst occasionally with noise, backed up by drums that leave a solid groove in amongst the texture. It gets the blood pumping with every listen, and even with the breaks throughout, you’re left feeling like you need to catch up to it. It actively fights against the celebrity lifestyle that’s yearned throughout the lyrics. Delivered coolly in a way that works with the instrumental. Wishing for an idyllic time beside the pool while acknowledging the fear of how one might be perceived by living this life.
It is a terrific listen that actively goes against the relaxed delivery of the vocals, which somehow makes it all the more thrilling. Mall Girl have delivered something that’s sure to get people excited, and I am one of those people.