Review by Dom Vigil
It might not hit hard, but Cherry’s newest album, Dumbness is certainly a humbling release. These ten perfectly imperfect tracks easily explore ego, humility and the human condition with surprisingly simplistic yet very personal lyricism and mellow instrumentals. The opening line, “Everybody’s dumb/go and ask anyone” perfectly encompasses the themes of the album, and the following songs just serve to drive this point home.
The opening title track is a bit unconventional, clocking in at just under two minutes in length and feeling a bit like an interlude but when looking at the whole picture, it’s the perfect song to start the album. It serves as a melancholy and blunt opener to the album, which as a whole turns out to follow this unconventional method of songwriting. Connecting each song is the very honest and human vibe that weaves its way throughout the album.
Coming after “Dumbness” and welcoming listeners into the album is the lazy and warm second song, “Buttoned Up,” which is followed by the bright and more upbeat, “Under the Sun” and high point, “Majestic Wonderland.” The fifth track, “Cherry” is a mellow low sonically, but not emotionally. Instead, the longing “Cherry” follows the lyrical content of “Majestic Wonderland” (“Come on, light my fire”) while serving as an ode to a crush.
If you’re searching for an explosive, high energy release, then Dumbness is not going to satisfy you. There aren’t necessarily any massive peaks or valleys on this release, but rather smooth, easy to listen to rolling hills. Each track flows perfectly into the next, making for a rather chilled out release. In fact, the song on the album that stands out from the pack the most is the nearly somber, “Motorcycle Lady,” which hosts some dark vocals that contrast with chirping birds and warmer instrumentals. Where Dumbness lacks in huge diversity though, it makes up for with a very solid theme and execution.
If you’re looking to chill out, lay in bed and enjoy some mellow tunes that’ll remind you not to take life too seriously, then this album is for you. Dumbness is easygoing with songs like “Forever Overhead” providing listeners with some shining moments near the end. Cherry don’t take themselves too seriously on Dumbness, and the result is actually a very timeless, relatable release.
LISTEN TO: “Majestic Wonderland”
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