Rockfreaks.net

Normandie

Dopamine

Written by: MN on 15/02/2024 14:35:11

It’s always a treat when you discover a new band that (despite considerable hype) has remained under the radar for yours truly. Swedish outfit Normandie was introduced to me by our editor AP, and my first intuition was to spin their discography to fully understand their musical journey and to see how they have arrived at their latest release “Dopamine”. The debut album “Inguz” showcased Phillip Strand powerful vocals, emotive lyrics with themes of determination and self-discovery in a post-hardcore style with elements of alt-rock, metalcore and emo. Sophomore record “White Flag” features a more polished style with more elements of electronic-synth laden vibes in the style of Muse, whilst 2021 “Dark & Beautiful Secrets” honed their style even further with catchy pop nuances to their sound. Where does that leave us with “Dopamine”?

All in all, Dopamine continues Normandie´s consistency with good continuity and quality. “Dopamine” is a record with seamless production, blazingly catchy songs worthy of big arena performances. I suspect “Dopamine” may not please fans of their older and heavier songs but will for sure win over others and expand their fanbase considerably.

“Dopamine” is a concept album revolving around societies constant yearning for different highs, in form of induced oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine and endorphins in society. The album takes inspiration in a potential dystopic future in which these highs must be clinically provided because we have burnt out our own natural receptors. The album kicks off in high gear with the stimulating and energetic “Overdrive”, a song with elements clear elements of industrial rock befitting the futuristic setting. “Serotonin” is exactly the type of song that showcases Normandie’s enormous potential, a true banger with a catchy chorus and a great example of vocalists Phillips considerable vocal prowess. “Flowers For The Grave” is another hugely popular hit, but frankly I find it to be one of the most boring tracks of the record. I suppose it’s one of those tracks that will appease newer fans who prefer a softer and more approachable sound.

“Blood in the Water” is a breath of fresh air where the trio shows how they manage to blend elements of RnB in the mix without it sounding cheesy or forced. This tendency follows on the tracks “Rituals” and “Butterflies”, both tracks with evocative and emotional lyrics delivery with a clear pop edge. Lucky for the fans of the raunchier Normandie, tracks like “Colorblind” and “Hourglass” also feature, the latter in which stars Dani Winther-Bates of Bury Tomorrow as a guest vocalist. “Hourglass” and “All in my head” are, in my opinion, the strongest track on the record. I personally prefer it when Normandie show their heavier tendencies.

“Dopamine” is not my favourite Normandie album, but does that make it a bad record? Absolutely not. It’s a natural progression for a band that refuse to remain stagnant in style and I commend the bands determination to continue to evolve.

Download: Hourglass, Serotonin, Butterflies
For the fans of: Muse, Siamese, Sleep Token
Listen: Facebook

Release date 09.02.2024
Easy Life Records