Album Review: Only The Poets - 'And I’d Do It Again'
Simply refusing to stop picking up speed, Only The Poets continue to gather up momentum with the release of their debut album ‘And I’d Do It Again’.
Rooted in reflection, vulnerability and acceptance, the debut album for Only The Poets wears its many years of development on its sleeve. Exploring and looking back on how being part of a band has changed them as people, it’s truly been a long time coming for the four Reading lads.
“We’ve been through extreme highs and lows but we wouldn’t change any of it… its all about looking back on our lives and saying ‘I’d do it again’”
Across 14 meticulously crafted tracks, Tommy, Roo, Clem, and Marcus reveal their most vulnerable selves, navigating heartbreak, jealousy, regret, and hope. Guided by honesty and their connection with one another, each song seeks to capture the journey they have embarked on as a band. It marks a real shift away from their earlier more indie days, instead embracing the alt-pop twinkling 80’s synth rich sounds. Having evolved and been able to curate their sound, the album sees OTP making the music they wanted to make. Cohesive, authentic, and representative of the band they have become, its a truly stellar debut which no doubt will continue their snowball rise.
From opening track ‘Monumental’ with growth from understated into cinematic all the way until ‘Guess She’s Cool’ with its eclectic instrumentation and tender lyrical focus, it is evident how considered the album was for OTP to craft. It flexes every possible muscle from introspective and subdued to anthemic ebullience and yet has a wonderfully fluid and cohesive quality to it. Every single thing has been thought out and chosen deliberately; track listing, production and instrumentation choices all are completed with intention. Filled to the brim with vulnerability, it's an album that seeks to celebrate all aspects of their journey.
“Everything we’ve been through as a band has led us here… People always ask, ‘Would you change anything?’ The answer is nothing. Every step — the setbacks, the graft, the sacrifices — has shaped who we are and why we keep going.”
Though they firmly operate within the alt-pop landscape, OTP are unafraid to play around with influences and tone on ‘And I’d Do it Again’. ‘Emotionally Hungover’, far from what the title would suggest, is an instant invitation to dance. ‘Thinking About Your Ex’ has sultry undertones whereas ‘Madeline’ is raw and unwavering in its emotional devastation. Among its many standout moments is ‘I Keep On Messing Up’, a hook laden pop gem driven by bright synths and buoyant 80s piano. It's one of the many more anecdotal inward moments, seeing frontman Tommy confront his mistakes and past ways with a self-effacing candour.
Live music has always been at the heart of what they do and as such, there are plenty of opportunities to hear their debut as it was always meant to be heard. Alongside a string of shows up and down the country to mark release week, Only The Poets have planned several gigs over the coming months. Committed to keeping shows accessible and following all the commendation and hype towards their upcoming £1 Brixton show, they have created a scheme for fans from lower income backgrounds who can register to attend at a reduced rate for any of the nights of their tour. For those living across the pond, they are actively campaigning for American shows and are looking to announce these soon.
Having no doubt put blood, sweat and tears into this project, ‘And I’d Do It Again’ is the album to have waited for. Having grown organically, amassed and cultivated a fanbase through dedicated touring and refined their sound, we can only hope that Only The Poets are proud of the magic they’ve created. As for their next steps, the only way is up.
Words by Kirsty-Ann Thomson
