Having emerged with debut album and 2022 EPs Consecutive Normal Songs and Liminal Space, respectively, Inside Voices have put an emphasis on defining and developing their craft as they built towards their sophomore full-length If It Matters.
The emo/alternative crew are not about instant gratification or playlist-ready songs. Indeed, most of the tracks have intros lasting well over the widely targeted 25-second mark. “Desire” and “Memento” are two such examples, but both are meticulously built slow burners.
The punctuative, math rock guitars of “Same Thing” are spliced with a sunny pop sensibility which cushions the jagged instrumental edges intelligently. Conversely, “Way Back to Myself” nods to some of the band’s earlier work, recognizable by it’s indie-punk feel.
An eternal anticipation floods the LP, and even on interlude tracks “Side Quest” and “In The View,” the band’s fluidity and ability to tell a story by saying very little stands out.
“Way Out From Here” is an introspective emo anthem on the surface, but paired with accelerated guitars and a lyrical urgency of escaping to simpler times, Inside Voices hone a perennial state of palpability.
The mesmerizing crescendos of “Grounding” are a fine example of the quartet’s ability to juxtapose subtle vocal musings with riveting guitar work and an unexpected but welcome trumpet injection. On the song, the band tackle themes of impostor syndrome and self-doubt and weave their narrative seamlessly with the sonic stylings of the track.
If It Matters is an album abundant with captivating instrumentation. The band’s storytelling and less-is-more approach feel like somewhat of a lost art in the modern rock scene. However, there is still a conciseness imbued in the collection. The pacing and brevity of the tracks ensures the album carries a desire for you to hit repeat.
