The Alexander Technique
Rex Orange County
8/10
Bedroom Pop
Singer-Songwriter
Indie Folk
Alexander - upon first listen of this, i struggled to understand why this was the lead single, along with guitar song (which much better felt like a traditional rex song). however, upon listening over, this certainly feels like it was the right call. drawing in rex's die hard fans with guitar song, but setting the tone and themes with 'Alexander' the title track. It's well written and lays out the listening journey well.
Guitar Song - listened to this track countless times, feels like a modern rex orange county. he's taken some from his older work, but definitely some maturity in the production, the mix sounds great. A tribute to rain man at the end? Rex feels himself on this song, the scene is set for the rest of this album.
2008 - This song feels so far detached from any of his other classic work, but thats not a bad thing. He keeps the production simple, driving the song with his beautiful layered vocals.
Therapy - The organ, woooow. Rex gets vulnerable on this track, talking frankly about his experience with therapy and dealing with his mental health, followed by a sonically full string piece at the end.
4 in the morning - that guitar in the back sounds great. a much softer piece, the vocal harmonies sound a little harsh to me, a personal lowlight
jealousy - this is rex in his prime, a beautifully well written track, talking on trying to axe jealousy in his life, in his relationship, comparing himself to his partners ex lovers. the in and out strings are great, breaking up the exploration of feelings. he's trying to feel worthy in his relationship whilst fearing losing his partner.
the table - rex touches on the feeling of 'sonder'. the realisation that everyone around you lives a life as complex as yours. This is rex, again hitting the mark, returning to what originally made his music so great, great writing and simple, yet effective instrumentals. One of my favourites on the record.
pure - 'are you coming with me baby' - the vocals are sounds a little too stylised here for me, where I dont think they really needed it at time. The lead guitar, again is pulling its weight and more.
one of these days - rex talks to you about your future, about maturing, finding love and death. a short and sweet track here with again great sounding strings
carrera - needs another listen
much too much - really strange pitched up vocals here kinda threw me off. cute bossa nova vibe, with the looping guitar maintaining direction. Second half, is where this track becomes something, feeling more of the bossa nova beat. Background flute is duely noted.
sliding doors - needs another listen, alternating keys / synth (sine) with prominent bass create a sonic painting, oboe and flute are sweeping strokes across this image
lost for words - needs another listen
look me in the eyes - needs another listen
new years - love the instrumental on this, rex looking ahead, singing on feeling like each year could've gone better. a touch on the realisation he is indeed getting older
finally - jazzy sound peaks here, alex talks about finding himself, letting go of his pain and continuing his music career?
This album showcases Rex Orange County's artistic evolution and emotional maturity. Opening with "Alexander" as a thematic statement and "Guitar Song" as a nod to longtime fans, the record explores themes of mental health, relationships, and personal growth through Rex's signature vulnerable lyricism.
Standout tracks include "Therapy," where Rex candidly discusses his mental health journey over lush organ arrangements, and "jealousy," a beautifully crafted exploration of insecurity in relationships. "The table" captures the concept of sonder - recognizing the complex inner lives of others - representing Rex at his storytelling best with simple yet effective instrumentation.
The album balances Rex's classic sound with new sonic territories, from the detached vocals of "2008" to the bossa nova influences of "much too much." Throughout, themes of aging, self-reflection, and finding one's place in relationships and career create a cohesive narrative arc, culminating in "finally" where Rex reflects on personal growth and his musical journey.
While some experimental vocal stylings don't always land perfectly, the record succeeds as both a progression of Rex's artistry and a deeply personal statement about navigating young adulthood's complexities.
Alexander - upon first listen of this, i struggled to understand why this was the lead single, along with guitar song (which much better felt like a traditional rex song). however, upon listening over, this certainly feels like it was the right call. drawing in rex's die hard fans with guitar song, but setting the tone and themes with 'Alexander' the title track. It's well written and lays out the listening journey well.
Guitar Song - listened to this track countless times, feels like a modern rex orange county. he's taken some from his older work, but definitely some maturity in the production, the mix sounds great. A tribute to rain man at the end? Rex feels himself on this song, the scene is set for the rest of this album.
2008 - This song feels so far detached from any of his other classic work, but thats not a bad thing. He keeps the production simple, driving the song with his beautiful layered vocals.
Therapy - The organ, woooow. Rex gets vulnerable on this track, talking frankly about his experience with therapy and dealing with his mental health, followed by a sonically full string piece at the end.
4 in the morning - that guitar in the back sounds great. a much softer piece, the vocal harmonies sound a little harsh to me, a personal lowlight
jealousy - this is rex in his prime, a beautifully well written track, talking on trying to axe jealousy in his life, in his relationship, comparing himself to his partners ex lovers. the in and out strings are great, breaking up the exploration of feelings. he's trying to feel worthy in his relationship whilst fearing losing his partner.
the table - rex touches on the feeling of 'sonder'. the realisation that everyone around you lives a life as complex as yours. This is rex, again hitting the mark, returning to what originally made his music so great, great writing and simple, yet effective instrumentals. One of my favourites on the record.
pure - 'are you coming with me baby' - the vocals are sounds a little too stylised here for me, where I dont think they really needed it at time. The lead guitar, again is pulling its weight and more.
one of these days - rex talks to you about your future, about maturing, finding love and death. a short and sweet track here with again great sounding strings
carrera - needs another listen
much too much - really strange pitched up vocals here kinda threw me off. cute bossa nova vibe, with the looping guitar maintaining direction. Second half, is where this track becomes something, feeling more of the bossa nova beat. Background flute is duely noted.
sliding doors - needs another listen, alternating keys / synth (sine) with prominent bass create a sonic painting, oboe and flute are sweeping strokes across this image
lost for words - needs another listen
look me in the eyes - needs another listen
new years - love the instrumental on this, rex looking ahead, singing on feeling like each year could've gone better. a touch on the realisation he is indeed getting older
finally - jazzy sound peaks here, alex talks about finding himself, letting go of his pain and continuing his music career?
This album showcases Rex Orange County's artistic evolution and emotional maturity. Opening with "Alexander" as a thematic statement and "Guitar Song" as a nod to longtime fans, the record explores themes of mental health, relationships, and personal growth through Rex's signature vulnerable lyricism.
Standout tracks include "Therapy," where Rex candidly discusses his mental health journey over lush organ arrangements, and "jealousy," a beautifully crafted exploration of insecurity in relationships. "The table" captures the concept of sonder - recognizing the complex inner lives of others - representing Rex at his storytelling best with simple yet effective instrumentation.
The album balances Rex's classic sound with new sonic territories, from the detached vocals of "2008" to the bossa nova influences of "much too much." Throughout, themes of aging, self-reflection, and finding one's place in relationships and career create a cohesive narrative arc, culminating in "finally" where Rex reflects on personal growth and his musical journey.
While some experimental vocal stylings don't always land perfectly, the record succeeds as both a progression of Rex's artistry and a deeply personal statement about navigating young adulthood's complexities.