Surprise, listeners: the world is, in fact, ready for more AJR. Brothers Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met gained prominence last year with their single “I’m Ready,” using the memorable line from Spongebob Squarepants to establish one of the summer’s anthems. While many expected AJR to vanish like many summer one-hit wonders, the brothers’s first full album Living Room proves they have no intention of going anywhere.
In the album, AJR displays their ability to produce tracks similar to “I’m Ready,” demonstrating their true artistry. While the group defines themselves as an indie-pop band, they have no trouble infusing their music with elements of other genres. AJR is also impressively DIY; the Met brothers write, arrange, and record all of their material in their Chelsea apartment. This makes Living Room almost a more impressive feat, as this production is practically seamless.
Living Room begins with “Overture,” which blends various rhythms and melodies from the album’s tracks. The track’s effortless transitions highlight the trio’s talent and sense of creativity. AJR also presents their indie-pop roots in Living Room, which serves to contrast the beats of “I’m Ready.” Singles such as “Big White Bed,” and “The Green and the Town,” are beautifully simple, relying on the trio’s harmonies and a backdrop of strings to create a calming effect, which proves a refreshing change of pace from the more upbeat singles.
Of course, AJR has not abandoned the element of the summer anthem that launched their career; tracks such as “Thirsty Thursday,” and “Livin’ on Love,” are sure to get listeners singing along to their bubbly messages and rhythms. Later, AJR effortless combines indie acoustic with pop overtones; tracks such as “Infinity” and “My Calling,” not only are beautiful in terms of lyrics, but in the fusion of upbeat rhythms and use of modern technology.
AJR’s Living Room is a delightful surprise, demonstrating the trio’s true musical abilities while maintaining the optimistic feeling that made them last summer’s new stars. The Met brothers have certainly proven they are the farthest thing from the summer one-hit wonder.
Voice’s Choices: “Infinity,” “Livin’ on Love”
