ALBUM REVIEW: The Clockworks - The Entertainment

‘How To Exist’ is a sucker punch of an introduction to The Clockworks’ second album, ‘The Entertainment’. An unfiltered stream of consciousness, the opening track is upbeat and with the final lyric ‘I’m looking for something to believe in’, quickly sets the backdrop of the album. ‘Best Days’ follows and is a quick shift in sound and pace. The slowly chugging verses bleed into an anthemic chorus, creating a track that feels effortless and yet carefully crafted, a highlight of the album. 

Photo Credit: Nicholas O’Donnell

The inspiration of film is undeniable throughout the album with tracks ‘La Dolce Vita’, ‘The Magnificent Seven’ and ‘True Romance’ all taking their name from films. The links don’t end there, with further nods to film in tracks ‘Getaway Car’ and ‘The Actor’. ‘Getaway Car’ fizzes and flexes with a baseline that combines with McGregor’s vocals to create a delicious and decedent track. ‘The Actor’, opening with the lyric “I’ve been waiting for the moment to arrive”, is an emotive, reflection on the fleeting nature of life, a familiar feeling to many. 

‘Work In Progress’ hums to the beat of conversation you might have with your mum on the phone. “Will you call me when your home”, underlining the desire to highlight the beauty in the mundane. ‘The Double’ and ‘Well Well Wellness’ explore more relatable topics, including body dysmorphia and the issues surrounding the wellness industry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MV_2_tzfb8w

‘Through The Looking Glass’ tackles the toxic link between drinking and a sense of belonging. In doing so, simplifies the complex, strips back the noise of everyday life and whispers into your ear. ‘True Romance’ follows, a track that builds throughout, is an introspective admission of disarray. 

Throughout ‘The Entertainment’ instrumentation and lyrics coalesce to illustrate the fragility of life, in a personal and intimate way. In the final track, of the same name, exposed vocals, unperfect chord changes and the decision to highlight the power of love, cement this album as thought provoking in both the topics discussed and the production and stylistic choices made.