Bleach Lab return with If You Only Feel It Once. Having released a string of singles – with ‘Obviously’ gaining regular rotation on our playlists – the third EP from the South London band is one we’ve been anticipating for quite a while.
From the get-go, If You Only Feel It Once fills the room with a dreamy sound that we’ve come to expect. Opener ‘I Could Be Your Safe Place’ floods the airwaves with an upbeat set of chords that immediately lifts the mood. Paired with the breathy vocals and melodies that cut through with speed, it makes for a great, energetic start to the EP.
The aptly named ‘Take It Slow’ eases on the tempo as it gets into place. Chords and melodies are given the space to grow steadily into the chorus, which hits the accelerator against lyrics reminding the listener to take a breath. It creates a strong contrast of the urgent instrumental against the composed tone of the vocals. Heading nicely into ‘Pale Shade of Blue’, which offers a more mellowed listen.
‘Obviously’ continues to dazzle with its warm, homely instrumental. As the EP battles with recreating that feeling of nostalgia and finding it in other people, it really showcases the myriad of genres Bleach Lab have at their disposal. There are times it floats between Dream Pop and Rock, but often combines the two together to create verses that soar high and choruses that hit hard. It makes for a powerful combination that’s always shifting and therefore exciting to listen to. Even after multiple listens.
If You Only Feel It Once is a great EP from Bleach Lab. Three EPs in and it’s clear that the band have firmly established their foundation but aren’t afraid to mix things up too.