Underscores' 'U' Album Review: A Brilliant Shift to 90s R&B-Inspired Pop
April Grey, the US bedroom producer known as Underscores, has long been a favourite among a diverse array of artists, from experimental pop duo 100 Gecs to rapper Danny Brown and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker. However, her sound has always been challenging to define, with her previous albums like 2021's Fishmonger and the concept album Wallsocket offering a chaotic blend of hyperpop, emo, and pop-punk. These works were often overwhelming, packed with distorted guitars, vocal samples, brostep basslines, and more, leaving listeners occasionally wishing for a touch of restraint.
A New Direction with 'U'
With her latest album, U, Grey has taken a step back from the maximalism of her past. While the opening track, Tell Me (U Want It), still features fizzing EDM synths, AutoTuned vocals, and dramatic pauses, there is a noticeable shift. The emo and punk influences have largely faded, replaced by a focus on late 90s and early 00s R&B, reminiscent of producers like Timbaland and the Neptunes. This change results in a sound that is less hair-raising but no less inventive.
Tracks such as Hollywood Forever and Wish U Well incorporate bright acoustic guitar samples akin to No Scrubs, while Innuendo (I Get U) offers a spare, bumping rhythm. Do It channels a grinding synth blare that echoes Justin Timberlake's Sexyback. Grey's interpretation feels modern, enhanced with AutoTune, dubstep electronics, and pop-house beats, avoiding mere retro imitation.
Revealing Songwriting Talent
This pared-back approach highlights Grey's exceptional songwriting skills, which were sometimes lost in the noise of her earlier work. As a true auteur—writing, performing, and producing everything herself—she crafts songs like Bodyfeeling and Do It that rival those created by teams of professional songwriters for top pop artists. The lyrics on U are more focused, centering on love with original twists, such as The Peace tracing a relationship through shared cigarettes or Hollywood Forever exploring dating in the spotlight.
Although dialling down the intensity might not catapult Grey into mainstream stardom, it has yielded a more accomplished and well-written album than many recent major pop releases. U stands as a testament to her creativity and control, proving that sometimes less truly is more in the world of pop music.
