Ransom Collective - Traces Album Review
Folk-pop music has got me in a bit of an edge as of late. The now ‘it’ genre for young local music listeners is going-gaga-over on bands/artists like Lola Amour, munimuni, 3D (Danao, Dumas, Dancel), Clara Benin, and the most popular band in the genre, The Ransom Collective. TRC are taking the indie market by storm by their radio-friendly sound, sentimental lyrics, and a string section/piano pieces that act as a cherry on top of their wedding cake. The fans marry their strong appeal: their preppy get-ups, uplifting melodies, and anthems that are suitable to be sung over by all ages. I’d give them a green card if they wish to continue making fun music for a wider audience, but the discussion from here on out is the long term effect of the band’s music. Especially, when we’re talking about their debut album titled “Traces.”
Fresh off from music festivals, getting featured in media outlets, and a successful album launch, The Ransom Collective has got my attention for how dominant they are to music listeners here. Their sound doesn’t challenge, nor it crosses boundaries. Instead, they make the sound a lot more reachable to other kinds of generations in different places, in fact, it becomes over saturated at some point, and it begs the question whether or not if The Ransom Collective are going towards to an expansion of the sound or improve the sound of folk-pop. Thus, leading to the release of their debut album, I as much would leave my doubts on the side, take a stroll of its 50+ minute runtime, and see what they can offer here in this project of theirs.
The first track “Open Road,” was explosive by the time you press play. Their lead singer (possibly, their most important key member of them all, Kian Ransom) has us on halt with his intense showcase of sound. The intro was quite impressive safe to say, but it was still commonplace. The second track and the lead single of this album, “Settled,” was a good follow up to the intro track. I find it to be catchy and the plucky guitars had me hooked. The way how this track's styles got me into the groove and made me want to shoot a travelogue. Literally.
The following tracks “Tides” and “Doubt” are a run-of-the-mill type of folk, not that much worth mentioning other than their superb work of trading instrument fills with one another. Their fifth track “Hither” -- that track was included in their EP not too long ago; this version is the new one, a slightly polished version -- this track was the only TRC track that I liked. The kicks were booming, two of their brightest stars have nice chemistry, it had a nice build, and that was fun to hear the new version of this album of theirs. “Something Better” has those excessive “ooh-ohs,” I find it a bit annoying for how much those “oohs” were used here, and we’re still halfway through the album. I guess I can call those “oohs” as filler from now on.
Their title track “Traces” has that beautiful violin and piano solo which completes the package for their folky sound. What a surprising way to end the track. Their last three tracks was a treat for their longtime fans. “Images” and “Fools” have those moments only real TRC fans would love to sing along. The album in one thought had been very visible by the time I pressed play, once the explosive intro had shown so much flex to the listener. I can already come up to the conclusion right away for how monotonous this project sounded. Overall, The repetitive “ooh-ooh” chants make you think of they’re a rip-off of the Lumineers and their dexterity in instruments makes you think of conservatory music students taking a break from their recitals. The production was beautiful, it cleared out the flaws that The Ransom Collective had in their EP, but it doesn’t bring that much exploration nor does it bring any adventure in the mix. The whole album was one travel around a fish bowl where you don’t realize that you’re just walking in circles.
Munimuni for instance, has me gripping with their Simula EP. That EP made me believe in Folk-pop being alive and well. The Ransom Collective, however, almost turned my head away once I step into their world of music. Traces had a few decent tracks; it shows so much skill in the instruments. The violins were complimentary, same with the piano. It keeps the listener engaged or immersed in their world. The album keeps an open eye for your worthy time of wanderlust in a blink, but sadly, this project ages clearly for how forgettable few of the tracks were; maybe it's because the tracks have come to the point where almost every one of them sounds like each other. Their instrumental acrobatics will most certainly wear off over time. The material was soothing in the ears, but not making that much of a lasting impression.
FAVORITE TRACKS: OPEN ROAD, SETTLED, HITHER, IMAGES