Father & Daughter duo, In Search Of sheath a beloved childhood story with pop-punk and grunge interpretations in their new album, Alice and the Wonderland. The thirteen track LP is the outfit’s debut release which was earlier teased with the single, Alice. With tracks opening or carrying a quote from the novel by Lewis Carroll, they expand into a theatrical scene with performative sonics and vocals. Leading the narrative with descriptive and storytelling lyricism is Michelle Ray’s histrionic vocals. Absorbing the role of the protagonist in some and narrator in others, she conveys themes like danger, mystery, magic, madness, adventure, and power impactfully. A monstrous machination of punk beats and tense grunge further cultivates these themes to deliver an ever-combusting canvas of sound.
The album opens with a brief intro before we are plunged into the first act of chaos and tremendous confusion with “Engagement Party”. Fuelling the scenes from the book with imaginative scripts and snowballing punk-grunge, the song is presented with gusto and grandeur. “Ambush” follows with the same sense of urgency as its predecessor. With the beats and instrumentation arranged in spirals, the listener descends into a storm of turmoil and unthinking despair. “Alice” is a pleasant acoustic song, dallying with Latin rhythm styles and passionate vocals.
“Tea Party” recreates the iconic scene from the book. You guessed it, surrounded by quirky and offbeat characters, the thundering riff breaks and quaking beats make a beautiful context for Michelle’s heartfelt storytelling. “Jabberwocky” is led by Michael’s 90s style vocals. The vintage sizzle of his voice is accentuated by strident curves of melody and stellar shreds. “The Red Queen” is a classic track as it carves out the essence of the villain. Superimposing pulsing beats and riffs with melodic lines and dialogues, the track is the perfect ratio of song and story.
“Vorpal Sword” is edgy and sharp. The punk percussive air is strung by experimental grooves and retro beats. And of course, the voracious swell of Michelle’s vocals indicates the beginning of the end. “Revolt” is a scintillating combination of neo-classicals and punk; these frames united by the compulsions and drama of the story. “Embattled” presents a blend of acoustic and soft rock. Describing the war, the duo interestingly chooses an emotional soundscape as opposed to a roaring one. “Frabjous Day” portrays the harder landscapes of the war with gunning beats and angsty vocals.
“Futterwacken Dance” presents as a moment of celebration. A triumphant air is conjured with contemporary electronica and soaring punk beats. And finally, concluding with “Farwell”, an empowering narrative by a lost girl who has just found herself. Her strengthened resolve and empowered mind is portrayed with the gusto of punk beats and proud vocals.
The album is available for streaming on popular sites like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music!
You can listen to Alice and the Wonderland by In Search of here -
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