Trainwreck Boyfriend are mesmerizing in their free-spirited eponymous album

Indie rockers Trainwreck Boyfriend certainly have the acumen for crafting emotional rock anthems, as this is pretty evident after listening to their newest album. There's an impressive diversity in the style of songs included under this milestone project. The members haven't hesitated to experiment with a broad mind, eschewing predictability and refusing to tether themselves to any particular style. Undeniably, the album's merit lies in its vibrant display of instrumentation and memorable hooks.

Trainwreck Boyfriend came to be after a coincidental acquaintance at a concert a few years back. The members, bearing versatile musical talents, immediately clicked with each other on similar interests and initiated the band. Greta Madeline, the lead vocalist, is a songwriter at heart and decided to take the center stage for this commitment.

Initially, the album took shape in a loft (also acting as their creative base and studio), as the backdrop of the sprawling city proved crucial for inspiration. The final touches were done at Headroom studios by the experienced producer Kyle Pulley (Diet Cig, Hop Along).

At its very foundation, the collection of tracks focuses on the delicate intricacies of emotions; namely love, heartbreak, self-acceptance, and other universal feelings. The album emphasizes that life can be strife with imperfections and complications, and that's what makes it so beautiful.

"Welcome at the freakshow//Leave judgment at the door" serves as an impactful opening on "Freakshow": featuring spry, melodic qualities thanks to the bright guitars and amiable vocals welcoming non-conformists (nerds, daydreamers, visionaries) with open arms. Warm fuzzed-out guitars and romantic lyricism are the stand-out features on "Feels Like Summer," followed right after by the breakup tune "Checkmate" and its R.E.M. like jangling alt-rock arrangements. 

Rebelliously uptempo and driven for change, "Invisible" has a raw, vigorous tone (and made us recall "Some Might Say" from Oasis), heartfelt vocals in charge of the raucous ensemble. The high-spirited 80s-inspired "Don't Go There" merges luminous synth on a brawny, rhythmic hard rock beat. "Retrogression" does an impeccable job at the end: angst-burdened performance soars over the elevating instruments, an emotionally-charged finale reminiscent of the grunge rock era.

Stream Trainwreck Boyfriend's debut album on Spotify and Bandcamp, and stay connected with them on Instagram and TikTok.