Bluhm - Midnight Hill
Bluhm’s sophomore album Midnight Hill (out Friday, August 9th) is a Dream Pop fantasy. Weaving together elements from 80’s synthpop, to 90’s shoegaze/dream pop, to modern indie music, the duo take you through the ups and downs of love, and the inherent risk of vulnerability. Vocalist Claire Bluhm creates waves of reverb drenched vocals and harmonies, with a voice reminiscent of 90’s icons Mazzy Star or The Cranberries. The independent band based out of Detroit, MI have further defined their sound that they have been formulating since their first singles in early 2022. The album feels like a cruise down memory lane, reminiscing on being young and in love, and reflecting on a relationship that is passionate, but may be doomed by the realities of life. Though there is heartbreak and failed relationships referenced through the album, there is also no shortage of optimism and hope, highlighted on several tracks (“About A Heart”, “Is It True Love?”, and “Under The Glow Of Your Moon” to name a few). Listening to the songs, you are transported to a summer night beneath a starlit sky.
The stand out opening track “Honey I’m Afraid” is an anthemic synth-pop ballad of fear and love. Bolstered by an infectious synth lead and a dancing drum machine, Bluhm laments (You don’t even know / Where you want to go / We’re lost in someone else).
The third track “A Lot Like Her” is a Beach House inspired track fused with a modern pop break-up song. Climbing synths and guitar leads carry you into the chorus (He was in my room, I was in your head / Were you ever there, did I ever Bend?). The song feels like acceptance that a relationship might be over, and maybe there are other people that might be better suited partners.
“Would It Be The Same Song” is a hazy late night jam that hits you like a cloud of weed smoke. Woozy guitar leads dance over a funky and tight bassline and drum beat. The song questions identity and roles in a relationship, while the chorus (Would it be the same song / if you listened all night long?) asks if love and magic can last, or if it’s just a passing fancy.
The duo dips their toes into a more alternative, almost punk leaning sound on the track “I Don’t Care, I Want You Now” with thumping drums and crunchy guitars. The song is sexy and blunt, but doesn’t take itself too seriously at all. The repetition of the phrase (Ha ha ha on the way down) is perhaps a sarcastic double entendre on a relationship falling apart as well as a reference to break-up sex.
The album ends with the euphoric “About A Heart” , a classic dream pop song that doubles as a love song and a song about life and death. Life is a river, one day we will all walk down the endless street, and perhaps, that is the feeling of being in love.