Photo Credit: Alice Baxley
After a five-year hiatus, garage-punk band FIDLAR burst back onto the music scene with their latest release, SURVIVING THE DREAM, an album met by critics with a mix of praise and critique. This refreshingly raw album delves into more contemplative themes, such as recklessness and personal struggles, while maintaining the group’s signature chaotic style. While staying true to the band’s punk roots, this album shows a new sense of maturity in both sound and lyrics.
In particular, the opening track, FIX ME, features emotional – almost darkly humorous – lyrics, a stark contrast to the fast-paced punk music over the top. This sets the tone for the rest of the album, in terms of the constant oscillation between raw vulnerability and chaotic high-energy music. However, the rawness of this track isn’t consistent throughout the whole album, with tracks like LOW and SAD KIDS having a catchier, more pop-punk vibe and feeling more polished compared to the opening song. SAD KIDS has especially been noted for its self-deprecating lyrics and upbeat ukulele, leaving an odd juxtaposition that came across as tonally confusing.
Songs like ORANGE COUNTY and HURT offer a more controlled moment, with profound lyrical reflections from songwriter Zac Carper, especially around the themes of self-doubt and pain. These tracks reveal a more introspective side to the band, especially in HURT – where the band tones down the chaos to allow the emotional depth of the lyrics to take centre stage. This offers a better look into the vulnerability, self-doubt, and emotional pain that define the song, and is a slightly better balance between the band’s punk energy and sincere, heartfelt storytelling.
However, FIDLAR fail to maintain an introspective balance throughout the album. Tracks like GET OFF MY WAVE and I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS revert to the playful energy of their earlier releases. I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS has stood out as especially decisive, with a – somewhat grating – repetitive hook and a sense of disconnect with other more introspective songs on the album, like HURT and FIX ME. The lack of lyrical depth and musical variation makes it a lower point on the album. On the other hand, it embraces a carefree, anti-authoritarian spirit that FIDLAR fans may enjoy.
At times throughout this album, the unevenness between the reflective lyrics and the heavier music results in a unique sound, and not one that works particularly well. The album lacks cohesiveness; the constant shifts in tone become somewhat jarring as the tracklist continues. The band seems to switch constantly between serious introspection and their chaotic musical sound without fully committing to either direction. Despite the loyalty to the band’s signature punk style, SURVIVING THE DREAM feels like the band struggling with their identity – trapped between the youthful energy of their earlier work and a more reflective, mature sound.
5/10
Standout Tracks: BREAK YOUR HEART, NUDGE, LOW
For Fans Of: SWMRS, The Orwells, Joyce Manor
Written by: Soph Johnson
