On Repeat

A Review of James Marriott’s 2023 album, ‘Are We There Yet?’

Tracklist:

1. You Are Here
2. So Long
3. Going Postal At The Party
4. Over My Head
5. Romanticise This
6. In Between
7. The Other Side
8. White Noise
9. Denial
10. Don’t Blame Me

James Marriott’s debut studio album ‘Are We There Yet?’, released on the 10th of November 2023, marks a period of significant creative development from his 2022 EP, ‘Bitter Tongues’. After months of teasing the album on platforms like TikTok, the highly anticipated release took fans – including myself – on an emotional journey.

The album explores themes such as heartbreak, identity, and suicidal ideation. The opening track, ‘You Are Here’, (My favourite track on the album) sets a melancholic, almost nostalgic tone for the album, with lines like “I’ve made amends with the old me/Slit his throat with a receipt”, showing the idea of changing who you once were, and using that as a model to grow and develop into someone new. The quiet, soothing vocals at the beginning of the track create a stark contrast to the end of the track, where the volume gradually increases, and a strong drum beat is introduced to create the climax of the song.

The rockier vibe continues into the second track, ‘So Long’, as the use of drums and electric guitars increases, creating a catchy tune showcasing the feeling of being trapped in an endless cycle and not knowing how to get out, which could be relatable to many listeners. In contrast, the album has a couple of slower tracks like ‘In Between’, which feature the use of acoustic guitars and much softer vocals, which contributes to a dreamy, tranquil vibe, compared to the more raspy sound created in most songs on the album.

Arguably Marriott’s best vocal performance, is the final track of the album, ‘Don’t Blame Me’. With standout lyrics like, “The best of our times were the worst of your life” and “I’m cutting our ties, that’s all I can do” marking how it can be difficult to move on from a relationship, whilst also knowing that it’s for the best. The bridge at the end of the song is definitely a highlight of the album, starting off slow and steady, and building up to a much louder climax with heavier use of electric guitars and much more powerful vocals.

Overall, the album flows perfectly between tracks, never straying too far from one particular style, whilst also ensuring there are no boring moments, keeping the listeners invested and entertained at all times. Fans of indie pop/rock – including bands such as Crawlers, Good Kid, and The Backseat Lovers, – are likely to find plenty to love in this album. If you’re interested in albums with an equal mix of upbeat songs to dance to, and quieter, introspective tracks, then ‘Are We There Yet?’ is definitely perfect for your playlist.