Brighton based CLT DRP have been making waves in the UK underground for some time now. Releasing their debut album Without The Eyes in 2020 to an impassioned response, it was branded an instant classic by some for its unique and innovative sound, as well as their lyrical and thematic vulnerability. Their experimentation and growth continued throughout 2021 and 2022 with a handful of singles releases drip fed across a relentless work ethic in the live realm. Having planted their flag in 2023 already with a headline tour and increased presence on festival bills, CLT DRP, alongside production by Alex Gordon (The Cure, Sea Power and Blood Red Shoes) bring us Nothing Clever, Just Feelings.
The album opens with the triple-hitter of lead singles ‘New Boy’, ‘Nothing Clever, Just Feelings’, and ‘I See My Body Through You’ perfectly reflecting the variety on display. ‘New Boy’ kicks things off with a tightened rendition of what could be found on Without The Eyes with some added vocal flourishes and a monstrous breakdown to close the song. Title track ‘Nothing Clever, Just Feelings’ introduces more alt-pop influences, a beat break in the middle of the track invoking feelings of Gossip for a massive four-to-the-floor boogie. ‘I See My Body Through You’, on the other hand, has a harrowing sound. The dark lyrical themes of being subjected to and manipulated by the male gaze perfectly reflected in the uneasy tremolo guitars careening into the destructive instrumental hook in the chorus.
The most noticeable difference with Nothing Clever, Just Feelings is in the quality and breadth of the production, Gordon has brought the best out of the band’s sound so far. Everything you know and love about CLT DRP is still there, Annie Dorrett’s lyrical vulnerability and musings on modern feminism through their lived experiences, Scott Reynolds innovative one man synth engine guitar chops paired with Daphne Koskeridou’s ferocious groove led drumming prowess for an unorthodox instrumental pairing that works oh so well. Everything sounds pristine, the production is damn near immaculate. There is a noticeable increase in bass presence across the board as well, which adds to the textural soundscapes in the best way possible.
“Everything sounds pristine, the production is damn near immaculate.”
That being said, Gordon has also pushed their performative boundaries, ensuring that no two songs sound alike on the album and the achieved variation helps the album to stay engaging across its thirty-nine minute run. It may be as subtle as a slightly different drum tone or as diverse as the wide assortment of vocal styles displayed.
‘M. U. T. M’ sounds like nothing else the band have done before, opening with an electronic call and response riff before the song breaks into a Billie Eilish ASMR style singing, paired with voice modulation and layering as well as her quirky and dark alt-pop instrumental style. Compare that with the highly Prodigy shaped, grimy electronica instrumental of ‘I Put My Baby To Sleep’ with Annie using that shouted, almost beat poetry, manic vocal style seen across a lot of Without The Eyes.
Leaning further into the divergency, whether its the happy-hardcore feeling instrumental and rhythmic lock into the chaotic old school punk hooks on ‘Desire / 1 on 1’ or the late 80’s hypnotic alt-rock feel of Kate Bush meets Beach Bunny on “Easier Than This”, each song has at least one thing that makes it stand out from the rest. The album is packed from back to front and you could see any of these becoming new fan favourites at the drop of a hat.
Nothing Clever, Just Feelings is the sound of growth and experimentation done right. Not losing a shred of their unique sound whilst clearly taking on board a wider array of alt-pop inspiration into the songwriting. CLT DRP have somehow managed to hold steady, not succumbing to the hype and put out an absolute belter of a follow up that is more focussed and stacked with instrumental and vocal hooks left, right and centre. At times wildly hypnotic, others emotionally frail and yet more times manic, CLT DRP are looking to take the scene by storm and Nothing Clever, Just Feelings is geared up to do just that.