REVIEW: Yours Truly 'Self Care'
It seems that pop-punk has been reigning supreme this year with the countless amount of bands that have awakened within the genre. This couldn't be more true for artists such as Yours Truly, who have quickly been taking over since the single "Composure" shimmered its way into our hearts earlier this year, and we haven't forgotten about them since. Now, the band has fully released their debut album Self Care via UNFD, and it's worth noting that every track on this record is a hit from start to finish.
We start the album with the dynamite of a number "Siamamese Souls." With thunderous guitar riffs and drums around every turn that seem to dance around Mikaila Delgado's multifaceted vocals, It's the perfect way to get the record started and prepare us for whats to for the next. We then come to two hit singles, "Composure" and "Together," which keep the kinetic energy flowing for the real high-octane hits that exist on Self Care.
Delgado's vocals are by far the best and brightest on "Vivid Dream." Lyrically, this is one of the best organically written tracks on the record as it flows so effortlessly with Delgado's vocal fluctuations and the ingenious instrumental work that exists here. "Undersize" is a beautifully written denuded presence on the album, but it doesn’t prepare us for the next diamond hit that arises underneath its surface.
"Ghost" comes banging its way into our auditory senses, begging us to forget everything we have heard up to this point on this album because it's the best track on the whole record. It's the perfect recipe of infectious guitar riffs, rapacious drum energy, engulfed with Delgado's tremendous vocal beauty, no other song aside from one other top this one bar none.
"Funeral Home" is another S-class hit that sparkles on Self Care. Not just because of its brilliant use of glowing instrumentals, but also the juxtaposition of heavy lyrical material at play here, making this the only track that tops "Ghost" on the album.
Third to last track, "Glass Houses," keeps the energy penetrating through the record with its surprising use of edgy guitar patterns and piercing percussive elements that sort of sets it apart from the rest of the songs we have experienced so far. "Half of Me" dials it back down to more acoustic vibes to loosen us up for the final finishing touch, "Heartsleeve." With its full-bodied, arena-ready instrumentals and slightly subdued energy to this track, this feels like a closing track you would see at the end of a Yours Truly concert.
Overall, this is a very successful debut album by the band. Every track is overflowing with energy and confidence that doesn’t let up till the very end, leaving you fulfilled and satisfied by the whole experience. Self Care never feels like it's drifting away from you at any point during the record, staying impressively consistent throughout. Self Care leaves you wanting more after it's finished, and in this way, it succeeds on all possible levels.