The Regrettes are back, and sooner than expected: the band released the deluxe edition of their most recent album “Further Joy” in November 2022, debuting three new songs.
The new additions to “Further Joy”, while relatively few, make the album feel complete. Following the central theme of personal struggles and life as a young woman, frontwoman Lydia Night continues to provide a tasteful yet intimate look into her mind.
If I thought this album was beautifully cohesive before, I had another thing coming when I opened Spotify. My personal favorite of the new tracks is “Dummy,” an ode to loving someone through their doubts and insecurities. The upbeat piano and synth encapsulates the happiness and reassurance of honest love, while the lyrics highlight the doubts sitting in the back of one’s mind. I have already added this one to my playlists of favorite songs going into 2023.
“Shapeshifter” follows its predecessor’s lead with upbeat instrumentals and vulnerable lyrics, this time highlighting the struggles of weight and body image. Night describes not recognizing the person staring back at her in the mirror, almost as if her body is shifting shape as she dissects her appearance. Like many other young women, I really appreciate the way The Regrettes portray these struggles – they never feel like a big deal until one day, they suddenly do.
“Answer” switches the vibe for the end of the album. It is soft, characteristically intimate and outlines confusion about the future while also providing a sense of hope that anyone can change the direction of their life at any time. A minute shorter than the previous songs, “Answer” puts the bow on top of “Further Joy.” After 15 tracks of deep inner monologue, the final track is a sort of call to action: Life is scary and confusing, but it’s also what YOU make of it.
Change the trajectory of your life if it isn’t making you happy. Embrace your insecurities. Share your life with the people that mean the most to you. Aren’t those the best ways to further bring joy into your existence?