Though only 19 years old, the experimental pop duo Let’s Eat Grandma is changing the game with their unique sense of creativity. Let’s Eat Grandma’s sophomore album I’m All Ears combines the dark sounds of British Dark Wave, driving synth rhythms, spacious soundscapes, and introspective analog instrumentation.
Let’s Eat Grandma is made up of two childhood friends, Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth. Both Walton and Hollingworth were raised in Norwich, United Kingdom and met in school at the age of four. Their debut album, I, Gemini, was released in 2016 and peaked on the UK chart at 149. Their newest album displays the same creativity and eclectic tastes, but with a more refined voice. Specifically, I'm All Ears showcases a stronger use of tone and dynamics that was not found in their debut album.
I’m All Ears three singles, “Hot Pink”, “Its Not Just Me”, and “Falling Into Me”, exhibit varying soundscapes that separate each in the listener’s ear. “Hot Pink” starts in a deceptively calm musical world. As the transition between the first verse and the chorus begins, sharp percussive sounds begin to appear. This gives way to the intensely rhythmic and chaotic chorus. The song is able to successfully jump between calm and aggressive in a split second with out sounding jarring.
“Its Not Just Me” gives a lighter sound that could easily become a summer hit. This song is filled with catchy upbeat melodies and rhythms while still having a slightly somber tone. The chorus is filled to the brim with exciting layers that blend together perfectly. “Falling Into Me” sounds like if Chvrches used synth samples from the late 80s early 90s. This is the perfect song for a late night drive.
Two other notable songs on this album are “Donnie Darko” and “Ava”. “Donnie Darko” is an 11-minute song that pulls you in and keeps you in. With simple accompaniment, the song sets the scene with an ad-libbed guitar solo. The first set of vocals are mellow and introspective. As they end, the guitar ramps back up. This gives way to the synthesizer that was playing quietly in the background and a new faster melody. The vocals return with a completely new and much darker sound. As the excitement of the song finally arrives at its climax, you realize that you've been listening for about 8:30 minutes. Recently, a lot of bands have written some very long songs that really can't sustain interest the whole way through. That is not the case with “Donnie Darko”. Its able to deliver diverse sounds while keeping a consistent musical theme and sustaining a build in intensity throughout the whole song.
“Ava” is another stand out on this album. Not because of its catchy tunes and lyrics, but because of its sunken intimate tone. With just a piano, voice, and the sound of rain in the distance, there is little between the singer and the listener. “Ava” has an intimate soul bearing sound that is greatly appreciated after listening to an album filled with with high energy and extensive layering.
Let’s Eat Grandma is able to jump from intense electronic beats, to introspective and intimate piano, to cavernous soundscapes in a way that is not often seen by a band in an entire career, let alone an album. Walton and Hollingworth showcase an immense amount of creativity in this album. The instrumental tracks on this album are not to be over looked; each has its own unique musical characteristics and humor. People that consider themselves fans of music need to listen to I’m All Ears. This is just the beginning of a band that is definitely going places.
For fans of: (Chvrches), (M83), (Driving late at night with windows down)
Our take: High diversity in sound, trance-like musical atmospheres, organic builds, vocals lines that are raw but subdued, "Hot Pink" and Its "Not Just Me" will be hits.
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