Tonight Alive – Underworld

Pop-rock outfit Tonight Alive has been plugging away for nearly a decade now.  The band’s journey has taken them from relative unknowns to Sony supported Australian superstars, partnering first with Fearless Records, and now Hopeless Records stateside.  Their latest full length, Underworld, serves as an introspective journey for front woman Jenna McDougall.  Four albums in and she feels confident enough to to offer an honest reflection of herself through her music, blemishes and all.  

The result is a healthy dose of heavy handed pop-rock that matches popular trends while maintaining a discernible personality. Underworld’s darkness is immediately apparent in the weight of  Tonight Alive’s guitar work.  McDougall may have a squeaky clean vocal style, but when coupled with guitarist Jake Hardy’s full bodied riffs she comes across confidently without feeling as sugary as might be implied by her pop leanings.  For instance, “The Other” and “In My Dreams” feature a chorus of strong and confident vocals.  While the cleaness of the vocals may discourage those looking for something with a rawer taste, they are certainly a step above the bubblegum pop dominating mainstream airwaves.  

Lyrically, the album has its share of deep thoughts, but they aren’t somewhat hidden behind the glossy production.  For instance “The Other” features the line “Now that I’m dancing with my demons and making everybody nervous, I have to walk the path in front of me, cause I’m not one for following and I will not apologize or lie for who I am.”  The passage emits a quality of self liberation that defines the disc’s backdrop, but never quite breaks into the fore.  It’s not due to lack of vision, but rather that the lyrics play a secondary role to the sweeping melodies making up Underworld.  Other songs like “Burning On” may exist as an intended statement of resilience, but the message is partially shielded by the feel-good, sing along chorus, which arguably dilutes the otherwise commendable intent.

Overall, for a pop-rock band with a popular emphasis, Tonight Alive has produced an enjoyable and accessible product.  Underword’s dark intent may not be as dark or distinct as some punk or rock fans may necessarily prefer, but there remains an edge that serves the band well.  A solid, albeit safe, choice for fans of pop-rock.