Past Lives
The clearest decision on Past Lives is to put Chrissy Costanza's voice at the center. Against the Current lean into synthesizers, programmed rhythms and the clean shapes of pop songwriting. The result has less guitar force than some listeners might expect, but the important question is whether the songs give their strongest performer enough interesting material. Often, they do.
“Strangers Again” provides an assured start. The synth-pop setting gives the hook a clear outline, and Costanza makes the reflective words feel direct. “The Fuss” allows a little more rhythmic and instrumental detail into the arrangement. That contrast is useful because the album can otherwise feel as though every element has been designed to point at the chorus.
“Personal” is one of the strongest changes in mood. The bass has a firmer presence, and the darker vocal tone suits writing concerned with loss. Costanza keeps the delivery controlled rather than turning every emotional moment into a big declaration. “Voices” goes the other way, bringing more attack to the singing and guitars. The difference makes both songs more effective.
The lighter material is less even. “I Like the Way” has an easy dance-pop appeal, but “Friendly Reminder” reduces a difficult emotional process to reassurance that feels too simple. “P.A.T.T.” has a confident attitude and a clear purpose, though the message is more memorable than the musical details supporting it. Across the record, the lyrics sometimes settle for broad statements just when a specific scene would make the feeling more convincing.
“Sweet Surrender” finishes well by keeping the backing relatively restrained and letting Costanza's phrasing provide the movement. Past Lives is a coherent pop record with several strong hooks and a singer who can adapt her tone to different situations. Its smaller discoveries are more satisfying than its general lessons. When the music gives the voice room and the writing gives it a real problem, the band's direction makes sense.
