Review
Guess what’s the hottest thing hitting the music scene? It’s Normandie’s latest masterpiece called Dopamine, and let me tell you, I’ve fallen head over heels in love! Set to make its grand entrance on February 9th 2024 under the banner of Easy Life Records, this 11-track record is not just a collection of songs: it’s a wild, addictive journey through a futuristic soundscape. This Swedisch rock trio, consisting of Philip Stand (vocals), the guitar virtuoso Håkan Almbladh, and Anton Franzon (drums) added a sprinkle of mystery and a dash of anticipation as they’ve been teasing us with singles every first of the month as part of their ingenious “Dopamine Clinic” leading up to the album release.
Dopamine thrusts us into a not-so-distant future, prompting us to ponder the profound questions of our existence. This trio aren’t just musicians, they’re sonic architects crafting an audacious, grand and quintessentially rock adventure. It’s like stepping into a time machine set to the beat of tomorrow – thrilling and utterly mind-bending.
Philip spills the beans, “the whole album is about the chase for different highs and natural chemicals: oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, adrenaline,…” But here’s the twist – “What if dopamine had to be clinically provided because we’ve burned through our receptors?” Imagine a world where dopamine is as crucial as your morning coffee, not for the buzz, but for survival. Normandie paints this futuristic, dystopian concept that feels oddly relatable in today’s hyperactive world.
Let’s dive into the tracks because, trust me, you’ll want the inside scoop! The album opener, ‘Overdrive’, set the stage for this sonic rollercoaster but the third track ‘Flowers For The Grave’ really stands out. It isn’t just a pop-rock track, it’s a masterpiece: it’s dark, thoughtfull and downright inspiring. It urges us not to save the best for last but to appreciate life’s daily treasures. The next track ‘Blood In The Water’ showcases Normandie’s trademark finesse, balancing vulnerability with sheer force, creating an anthem that pushes listeners to confront their inner struggles head-on.
Now, let’s zoom in on ‘Ritual’. A track that takes us into the realms of love, not just for this life but extending into the afterlife. It’s an eternal vow, a ritualistic wedding written in blood, delving into the power of neurotransmitters and the enormous impact of human touch. ‘Hourglass’, the next track is featuring Dani Winter-Bates from Bury Tomorrow. This track ventures into the profound acceptance of death and the discovery of newfound life within the realm of pain.
And as we reach the grand finale, ‘Glue’ beautifully wraps up the album with perfection.
Every snippet, every single, and every insight into the tracks intensifies the excitement for this album. The fusion of futuristic concepts, raw human emotions and the dynamic soundscapes reveals a level of artistry that’s both mesmerizing and deeply relatable. I’m not just ready to embrace Dopamin, I’m absolutely in love with the anticipation, and I can’t wait to be swept away by the complete symphony of this extraordinary album.