Monolithic and shimmering electro rock that demands what it deserves.
One wonders why Mackenzie Scott aka TORRES isn’t “bigger”. Sure, she doesn’t play pop. But the hedonistic THIRSTIER (2021) in particular had what it took to become an alternative hit monster. Puppy cake. The euphoria of the previous album still resonates on WHAT AN ENORMOUS ROOM, for example when for Scott the prospect of loneliness and the inevitable death of his parents pales next to the love for his partner (“Wake To Flowers”). Or when she uses the titular “enormous room” in the otherworldly “Jerk Into Joy” to dance. Because exercise is good for your mood.
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In general, the sixth TORRES album shifts down a gear again and seems more brooding. Maybe that’s the crux of the matter: Scott has a monolithic voice, writes strong hooks and creates powerful, atmospheric arrangements between electro-pop and grunge. But it’s not danceable enough for the club and too cold for the sweaty, dirty rock feeling.
On WHAT AN ENORMOUS ROOM she sometimes gets stuck in the repetition. Stoically stomping, atmospherically shimmering and mercilessly catchy pieces à la “Happy Man’s Shoes”, “Ugly Mystery” or “Collect” nevertheless make us ask again: Why isn’t TORRES “bigger”? By the way, Scott wants to know that himself and announces: “I’m here to collect.” Yes, please!