Electro-Pop/Rock Trio from Belgium, Scars on Louise, has dropped their long awaited and highly anticipated debut album, "TRINITY x BODY", exploring themes of finding yourself and inner struggles with identity.
TRACKLIST
Devil's Home
What If God...?
Kings of the Night
Imitation
Letter to My Brain
Stay or Leave
Dead to Me
One Night
Got High
Snowglobe
Laura on vocals/piano, Romain on guitar/vocals and Kevin on drums/piano/ukulele make up the trio we know as Scars on Louise. They've been a band together since 2017, starting out playing live at numerous concerts and festivals across Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. They officially released their first single in 2018 titled "No Way Out" and have been consistently releasing singles since, as well as a live album in 2022 of them performing said singles at 50 Jahre BRF1 Hitparade, an event hosted by a popular radio station within Belgium. Now finally, over 7 years later of becoming a band, Scars on Louise is releasing their first ever studio album. "TRINITY x BODY" is a concept album with divine, unique soundscapes meant to dig deep into your mind and body. It's about soul-searching, and realizing it's okay to ask questions about yourself and the universe. With 10 special tracks, let's dive into "TRINITY x BODY".
"TRINITY x BODY ” is more than just a debut - it's a manifesto that reflects the vulnerability and strength of the human condition. The band invites its listeners to embark on an intense musical journey that breaks the boundaries of genres and touches deeply at the same time. - Scars on Louise
Devil's Home
The album kicks off with the highly cinematic and adrenaline filled track, "Devil's Home". This dark electro-pop song is haunting and heavy as Laura sings about fighting our inner negativity, and in this hook's case, it's with the power of music. The soul behind Laura's tone and the high-energy production style was very nostalgic for me, reminding me of some early 2000's dance-pop and mainstream RnB songs. This was a very strong song to kick the album off with, and excites you for what is yet to come.
What If God...?
Next we have the single, "What If God...?". Have you ever wondered, if there really is a God out there, then why does he let so many bad things happen? How come every time you've prayed, it seems like no one is listening? "What If God...?" is about questioning the divine and struggling with having faith. It's okay to ask these questions, and I really love that we now have a song to bring awareness of that. Some of us grew up being told that God is always listening, and if we pray he will help us; but as we get older and we start to experience how cruel the world really is and our prayers continue to go unanswered, we start to feel like this isn't true, and the more we lose our faith. "What If God..."? has more of a gentle tone, with acoustic guitar, ukulele, bright synths and a very catchy drum beat. Lauren sings a melody that also has this incredible sense of nostalgia. It has an emotional and very personal feel that brings catharsis the more you listen.
Kings of the Night
"Kings of the Night" is a heavy, high energy pop rock anthem about owning your power and not letting anyone take you down. Behind the lyrics there's a story being told, about a boy and a girl escaping the lives that were holding them back and coming together in this love story where they now take on the world together as the kings of the night. The soundscape gives you the sense of unbreakable force and empowerment. It sounds like something you'd hear in an action anti-hero movie during a badass fight scene. The production lets the percussion have it's chance to shine, with electric guitar and cinematic synths. There's a super cool break down towards the end of the song which really adds to the anthemic effect.
Imitation
Today, we live in society that makes us feel like we have to look and act a certain way to be "beautiful" and "successful". We morph ourselves to match this mold in order to be accepted by others, but what nobody talks about is how badly that effects our mental health and causes conflict with our ability to have a unique identity. Trying to keep up with the world's impossible standards... it's exhausting; and nothing hurts more than having to fake a smile everyday because you feel like you're not yourself anymore. This is what the song "Imitation is about". Laura sings, "all you can do is start to be you", reminding us that the only way to truly be happy is to just be yourself, and forget what others think of you. "Imitation" has a nostalgic synth-pop soundscape, reminding me of 1989 era Taylor Swift. The uplighting melody and theme also reminded me of songs like "Brave" by Sara Bareilles.
Letter to My Brain
"Letter to My Brain" is a stunning acoustic piano ballad. We get the chance to hear Laura show off her voice as she sings alone with the piano, both softly and belting. The piano plays sustained chords, adding cathartic tension that you can really feel in your chest. "Letter to My Brain" is a very emotional song about reminding yourself how strong you are, and almost like a thank you note to yourself for getting through trauma and still being here. Through all the darkest times, through all the tears, through all the moments you didn't think you'd survive, here you still are. No one said it was easy, but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger - and no matter what happens, life does go on and so will you. The power this song has is so incredibly executed, especially when it only has a piano and a voice. I think it's one many can relate to, and just might bring a tear to your eye.
Stay or Leave
"Stay or Leave" is about not being treated fairly by people who are supposed to be your friends. However, you know your worth and you are fed up with the back and forth. Laura sings in the chorus, "Stay or leave, losing some friends isn't the end of the world...". It sucks saying goodbye to people you thought you could trust, but you can pick yourself back up and find better. "Stay or Leave" is another cinematic electro-pop soundscape, filled with drums and synths that are uplifting and powerful. With soaring vocals, a mixture of both belting and stunning falsetto, plus the overall groove and sonic foundation reminded me of the artist Sia.
Dead to Me
Have you ever been broken up with by someone who thinks their better off without you, but really you're the one who will be better off without them? The more time goes on, they start to realize that they ruined their chances at having a good thing by letting you go, but for you, they're not even a thought in your head anymore. This is what "Dead to Me" is about - when you're able to let go and move on, knowing that one day they'll be able to see the mistake they made. The soundscape is anthemic and empowering with a marching drum feel, a variety of synths that fill the air and a confident melody with a hook that can easily get stuck in your head.
One Night
Have you ever wanted just one night of your life to drop everything and do whatever you wanted? To forget about all the stress and madness in the world and have fun for once without the worry of any repercussions or what might happen the day after? This is what the "One Night" is about, and realizing it's okay to let lose every once in a while. Who knows, it just might be the best night of your entire life. This is an ethereal, anthemic electro-pop/rock song than is meant to get you singing along with the addicting, repeating "ohs". The synths and guitar shine and twinkling like stars, adding to the night-time, celestial atmosphere and theme which was reminiscent of Coldplay.
Got High
"Got High" is another really fun nostalgic synth-pop song, with a super catchy groove and melody. It has brassy piano riff and a popping bass that makes it stand out from the crowd. My personal interpretation of this song, is that life is messy and sometimes all you want to do is just let lose and literally, get high. When things are a disaster, you need a way to de-stress. So put on your comfort clothes, order some pizza, turn on your favorite tv show and light one up.
Snowglobe
Last but certainly not least, the song "Snowglobe" closes out the "TRINITY x BODY" album. In this song, Lauren sings, comparing her heart to a snowglobe; fragile and messy if you break it, but beautiful if you take care of it. For most of the song, we hear this hazy, soft electric guitar accompanying Laurens soaring and emotional vocals. Then during the last chorus, we get this big surprising twist when "Snowglobe" turns into a full blown rock song with drums, lead guitar and layers of background harmonies. It feels like you're suddenly transported to an encore at an 80's rock concert.
After over seven years of being a band, Scars on Louise finally decided to release an album and they did not disappoint. I think their experience not only as songwriters and musicians but as live performers as well has pushed them to create this incredible concept project that was worth the wait. This album is a mixture of fun jams to get you up and dancing, as well as deep, relatable and emotional ballads to get you thinking. There's also songs that really heavily focus on the instrumentals and production, and then there's songs that let Lauren and her vocal talents shine. It's beautiful to hear not only the musical chemistry that these three band mates have, but the respect that they have for each other as artists and the way they each let each other have their moment through out different tracks on the album. If you loved "TRINITY x BODY", make sure to check out the rest of Scars on Louise's past 7 years of music! Also, follow them below to see what else is to come.
Written By Kaitlyn Nicole
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