This Sunday (7th July) Sherborne will host its first Pride Parade, so it feels apt that my album of the month features a self-described ‘queer’ band, Queen of Jeans. In fact, the South Philadelphia indie quartet credit the fact that various members had become so frustrated with being the tokenised, queer members of their respective previous bands with the formation of their new project.
Their third long player (and first in five years following the swift one-two punch of 2018’s Dig Yourself and 2019’s If You’re Not Afraid, I’m Not Afraid), All Again finds the band in reflective mood. The chirpy, beat-driven pop of 2022’s Under The Radar song of the year contender Hiding In Place is largely absent in the latest album.
In its place are a set of subtle, expertly crafted and slow-burning classics. The production is silky, enveloping the listener in comforting waves of heartfelt but ultimately positive vignettes reminiscent of Phoebe Bridgers’ more introspective moments.
Throughout the album there is a sense of regret and of opportunities lost.
Books in Bed begins with a simple synth motif as vocalist Miri Devora describes “all the boxes piled up on the floor”. Later, on Go Down Easy, she reflects “I never should have let you in”.
But these sentiments are by no means the end of the story. Elsewhere, refrains of “all my friends around me” (All My Friends) and “I feel better in my mind” (Karaoke) provide balance through moments of cathartic communion.
While it is true that the album offers little which could be described as unique or groundbreaking, that isn’t the point. All Around is the sound of a songwriter hitting their sweet spot, and of a band fully committing to the cause. As a result, Queen of Jeans have produced one of the most accomplished records of 2024.
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