Recorded under a whim of three weeks in LA studios, Blindness’ fast pace executes a sense of urgency and vibrancy in its production. The album opens with ‘Moonshot’, which is pure intensity supported by the fast-paced drums, messy riffs, and raspy vocals. It’s a perfect opener in unveiling the essence of Blindness, releasing the flood.
The level of depth and magnitude to Blindness is impressive, with catchy yet exceptionally thought-out lyricism throughout the record. Each track holds significant meaning, particularly ‘Death of a Giant’, which is a song of grief to the late Shane McGowan, whose funeral parade the band attended.
One track to look for is ‘Love of Country’; at six minutes long, this song is intensely personal, political, and passionate. The build-up from slow rhythm to forcefulness, paired with raw, often isolated vocals, allows its meaning to be amplified, as a criticism of Irish patriotism and those that have distorted it. Frontman James McGovern expresses, "Patriotism itself often comes with the baggage of discrimination toward others," and that the song "is finally expressing that confusion for me: why is one’s love of country intertwined with hatred for another?".
Blindness not only tackles but also embodies sensitive themes, such as addiction and mental health, with its lyricism and composition. Single ‘The Fall’ embodies addiction and almost mimics a breakdown, with its lyrical repetition and build-up of fast drums and intense riffs. ‘Words Lost Meaning’ tackles distorted love and relationships in an almost ballad form, differing from many songs on the album that are more experimental.
Blindness is sure to receive strong critical reception at the peak of a post-punk revival and rise of Irish alternative music. With the band set for a record store tour and a headline tour, Blindness definitely has a bright future ahead.