Much of what would become BORNS’ debut album “Dopamine” was written in a Los Angeles treehouse, complete with “woodland creatures” as neighbors. This is just one reason that 23-year-old Michigan-raised singer-songwriter Garrett Borns is basically synth-pop Snow White.
I don’t mean that comparison as a knock. Like Disney movies, pop music works best when it instills a sense of childhood wonder, recalling carefree summers of just running around and having fun. As its title suggests, “Dopamine” is just that—11 tracks of well-executed, often-whimsical pop created to hit those pleasure centers in the brain for maximum effect. Opener “10,000 Emerald Pools,” which randomly takes its name from the former Las Vegas address of producer Jack Kennedy’s mother (I assume she had to sell once the song took off), uses its title as a metaphor for “diving deeper for you.” It’s a lovely sentiment that’s amplified by Beach Boys-aping falsetto and eternally chill vibes.
Unfortunately, it’s also the the best song on here, though not by too much. There could be an argument made for the Taylor Swift-endorsed single “Electric Love.” While awfully catchy, its guitar riff is a shade too close to the superior Tame Impala song “Elephant.” When it doesn’t resemble the Australians’ psych-rock smash, it veers toward what local critic Jes Skolnik aptly describes as “‘Lion King’ pop-rock,” which is exactly what you think it means. (OK, that Disney comparison was a knock.)
Elsewhere, “The Emotion” is a strong dose of Smiths-referencing melancholy that finds BORNS singing, “Escape out of my mind zone, love/I lost you not long ago; heaven knows I’m miserable.” That, the synth-heavy “Dug My Heart” and the peppy, explosive closer “Fool” just about reach the ceiling “Pools” sets. The songwriting is always competent and pleasant, but it’s his absolutely gorgeous, distinctive voice that keeps “Dopamine” going even when songs like “American Money” or “Clouds” feel slightly interchangeable. And a singer with actual singing ability shouldn’t be taken for granted.
2.5 stars (out of four)
In concert: Nov. 14 at Double Door, sold out.
[email protected], @joshhterry
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