Before Today

I had such high hopes for this album, especially after hearing such glowing reviews from everywhere I turned. Although this is technically Ariel Rosenberg’s ninth album, he admits that Before Today is his “first”. In comparison to Ariel Pink’s previous works, this album sounds a lot more polished. Much credit is due to the actual recording of the album – refined in an actual studio instead of Rosenberg’s bedroom. 

Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti takes you with them to a time warp. Much of Before Today is borrowed from decades past. It is essentially an amalgamation of oscillated ’70s and ’80s gritty pop rock. Though I cannot say I love the record, it is not thoroughly disappointing. There are a few gems; one of them being “Beverly Kills” – a memorably glossy pop treat. But what really takes the figurative cake from this record is “Round and Round”. It starts off with that familiar “na-na-na-na” from said era, along with its circling synths, irregular interludes and a Thriller-esque bass line that results in simple perfection. Lyrically, the song is an implied comparison to life’s unpredictability. Rosenberg depicts how it goes “round and round” like a metaphorical rollercoaster. 

Overall, I didn’t find Before Today to live up to the hype but it really does have some high fine points to satisfy.

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Don’t forget to catch Ariel Pink at the Mod Club tomorrow night!