Doris feels inherently transportive. The loveable blend of something raw and unfinished with something smooth and moody makes for an alternative pop rock record that’s brimming with emotion and oozing character all around. The debut release from this London based outfit is a win on multiple fronts, for its earnestness, its imagination, and its emotionality. It’s a melodic tour de force, a delightful exploration of such fresh and flavourful melodies that are constant earworms from back to front.
Opening with the light-hearted alternative rock buzz that is “Down”, you’re treated to a unique mixture of something akin to The Smiths but with a much more vibrant arrangement that has you feeling far more alive. It’s got this back and forth exploration between shoegaze and bedroom pop that transforms it into this dreamy and addictive confluence. “Old Bones” elevates that dreaminess to another notch, taking you into this emotional rollercoaster that just exudes a sense of wistfulness which leaves you teary eyed but in a bittersweet way.
“Supernatural Sex Dream” is perhaps as out there as its name would suggest. It moves and builds with a structure and melodic progression that’s quite innovative and imaginative. The vocals here and throughout really are so precise yet reserved. At no point does Doris feel the need to make noise, perfectly content crafting what can be best described as moody expressions that impart feeling through arrangements and progressions.
Personal favourites for me come towards the end on the more indie sounding tunes like “Spy Girl” that feel so vibrant, colourful, and playful. Anyone looking for a pop rock record with a slight bit of edge but a powerful melodic core, look no further.