Predator Romantic
Apollon, 2020
8/10
Originally released in 2015, this sophomore and last studio album as Actually has the Los Angeles songstress meshing her electro-pop, metal-pop and slutwave sounds into an exciting and immediately memorable experience.
“Viking Angel” starts the listen with much atmosphere as Actually’s vocals enter with a pretty and expressive delivery that guides the experimental electro-pop opening, and “Male Fantasy” follows with much energy in a dance friendly setting that’s beat friendly and shimmering in melody.
Closer to the middle, “Sunset Goth” is full of glossy pop ideas amid a subtle backdrop of grit, while “Fun At The Funeral” places ambience alongside an upbeat display of synth fueled playfulness. “Fists To Cuffs”, one of the album’s best, then delivers a snappy quality amid some New Wave nods.
Near the end, “Heavenly Sin” bursts into a thick and busy landscape of surreal, industrial like sounds, and “First Kiss” exits the listen with a dreamy, ‘80s spirit that’s soaked in waves of melodica.
Following this album, Actually formed the band Patriarchy, who are still very active with their goth and industrial pop formula. This reissue thankfully preserves the greatness of early years in all its seedy, smutty glory.
Travels well with: Panaviscope- Like The Sun; Soft People- Absolute Boys