Orchards – Bicker | Album Review

Math-pop darlings Orchards fill their sophomore album Bicker to the brim with both catchy bubblegum pop melodies and off-the-wall instrumentals for a fun and danceable experience dripping with alternative rock energy.

Orchards have not got where they have the easy way. Releasing their debut album Lovecore as the world went into panic mode at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, the future seemed bleak for the Brighton based trio which made their return in 2024 with sold out live shows across the UK all the more exciting for their dedicated fans. Now, on their second full-length album Bicker, Orchards are ready to take the world by storm with their euphoric blend of upbeat pop and intricate, experimental indie rock.

Straight out of the gate Orchards make their intentions clear with emotionally intense lyrics and unstoppable pop energy backed by bouncy guitar-led indie rock. Opening track ‘Say It’ acts as a perfect re-introduction to the Orchards with frontwoman Lucy Evers leading the band in a cathartic yet buoyant summer bop which perfectly balances their more esoteric musicality and personal songwriting with an ecstatic, grinning liveliness. From the very first line of Bicker the recipe is laid bare, a rich sonic lasagne with layers of memorable pop and off-kilter indie finished off with just enough math rock to keep everyone happy.

An undisputed highlight of Bicker is lead single ‘I Feel Terrible’, a synth-laced indie-pop banger ready to burrow into your ear and stay there all summer. Evers’ layered, confident vocals sit at the forefront of the track in front of a backdrop of playful slap bass and glitching guitars with a subtly ingenious interplay between the various instruments that’s sure to attract the attention of the most intellectual of math rock nerds without turning away fans who are here for the good time vibes.

While Orchards keep their sunny math-pop energy upbeat throughout the album there are also a few moments of introspection that show off a deeper side to the band. The track ‘Bethnal Green’ stands out with its slower pace and more intimate feel, replacing the non-stop overdriven guitar riffs for a gentle acoustic line and the headstrong vocal delivery for a softer, power-ballad vocal style while ‘Mug Song’ keeps much of Bicker’s sonic signature intact but with bittersweet lyrics reflecting on a failed relationship and alcohol abuse. Whereas most of Bicker lets the deeper meaning behind the lyrics take a backseat to the cheery sounding beats, these tracks point a more direct finger at the band’s darker half, acting as a therapy session for both the band and listener.

Whereas Orchards’ debut Lovecore took a more direct indie and math rock approach with a thin veneer of pop through Evers’ vocals, Bicker weaves their throwback pop sensibilities into its fabric. Although tracks like ‘Sweetie Pie’ retain plenty of the band’s guitar driven rock sound other tracks such as ‘Gerl’ with its Britney Spears-esque autotuned vocals or ‘You Can Get Used To Anything’ with its noughties style punchy drums and choppy synths bring a unique kitschy charm. 

Mashing together off-kilter guitar work with instantly memorable pop hooks and danceable beats, Orchards deliver an album filled to the brim with summer-ready bops with plenty of substance under the surface. Bicker provides an ideal soundtrack for both sunny summertime romances as well as the inevitable post-breakup introspection.