With a wealth of professional training under their belt, the meticulous dexterity in the compositions of ‘All We’ve Got Is Time’ isn’t to be questioned. But The Gender Gnomes are far from a group who seeks to amaze you with intricacies or pretention. What they do so wonderfully well and so effortlessly easily is create bops that are simply too mellifluously melodic to ignore. Just one minute into the record’s opening track, ‘Manhattan’, and you’re already humming along to that simple vocal harmony. They write songs that paint pictures vividly, those of peoples, places, and feelings. Combining a whole assortment of stylistic elements and differing genres, this ecstatically eclectic record is at its heart an indie pop smorgasbord that seeks to have you enjoying before anything else.
There are a few constant stylistic choices that make the record what it is. A more grounded folk influence, one that resonates through simple but infectious acoustic melodies and poignant vocal harmonies, seems to always evoke on each piece. Though slightly more melancholic, even ballads like ‘Handhold’ have within them sense a deep and undying sense of nostalgia that elucidate a certain sense of overcoming hardship and perseverance. It’s such a colourful splash all around, almost perennially keeping you entertained with its melodic charm and lyrical themes. Ballads form the bedrock, with more slow ones like ‘The Flame’ and ‘Everything Is What It Is’ to the slightly more upbeat ‘Break Me Down’ all offering a different perspective.
Any indie folk fan will find several pieces to adore on this delightful collection.