Sometimes, an entire album of love songs can be a bit much. Correction — most of the time, an entire album of love songs can be a bit much, but M.T. Bearington’s Love Buttons is anything but conventional and, as a result, pretty wonderful. The pop-infused dreamy melodies are cut with harsh vocals, creative guitar riffs, and an unexpected blend of horns. Softer, more contemplative moments sit alongside rash and impulsive declarations giving an honest portrayal of what love actually feels like.
Drums, synthesized beats, shakers, and more come together to form an impressive mix of sound keeping listeners engaged from start to finish. Tracks like “Tub Wash The Oval Owl” and “Vanilla” are contemplative and sweet. “Here’s Your Mood Ring Honey” is a funky jazz-infused tune, and “Safety” takes a jab at hipster romance and utilizes hints of electronic keyboard and chanting vocals creating an edgier atmosphere.
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The album ends with the intoxicating track, “Car Crash.” The lull in intensity midway through braces listeners for the heady ascent to an energetic explosion that carries the track (and the album) to its finale. Complete with horns, slamming symbols, and crooning vocals, it has a refreshing ferocity.
M. T. Bearington keeps listeners on their toes with a cacophony of musical genres and styles. They’ve taken the love songs of yester year and pulled them head first into the 21st century with pulsing honesty and innovation. Love Buttons is an album that will convert love’s skeptics and critics into believers, at least for the next 42 minutes.
(Safety Meeting Records, 196 Norton St. #2, New Haven, CT 06511)