Album Review: Cherry Glazerr—’Stuffed & Ready’
Posted: by The Editor
With so much anticipation, it can be difficult to deliver a record up to the standards of fans. Fortunately, Stuffed and Ready delivers in all of of its grunged-up glory. From powerhouse opener, “Ohio,” a highly energetic jam, to slowed down “Distressor,” the progression and weirdness of this record is what makes it a great addition to Cherry Glazerr’s alt-rock catalog.
Because it’s so incredibly odd, “Daddi” is my favorite song on the record. Frontwoman Clementine Creevy even admits that this song sounds weird and that’s why it was a single. Unconventionality, in terms of vocals and composure, I think it’s fun. High-pitched, silly, and repetitive, the song also carries an echo effect. So incredibly fast-paced that when it slows down during the midpoint, it’s a little jarring. More than that are the lyrics. They explain how Creevy feels in relationships. That even though she is a feminist, she still feels subservient at some points. This revelation becomes clear with lyrics asking the song’s subject how she should feel or what she should do in certain situations. It truly is something easier said than done.
However, that jam is only one of the relatable themes strung throughout the record. The extremely metaphorical “That’s Not My Real Life” is another. One of two percussion-led songs, its message, “take everything from me if you want it,” is provided with heavy imagery of a tree with leaves stripped from it. Even though the tone is serious, this one, like many others, has amazing instrumentals that are just exciting to listen to.
As a record, Stuffed and Ready is super fun, with many songs inspiring a head bop or a dance. “Wasted Nun”, supported by electric riffs and a bubble-pop synth, is one of my favorite examples of this. It sets up a brilliant move into the b-side, where Creevy’s high register vocals are front-and-center. “Pieces”, “Juicy Socks,” and “Self Explained” are the most accurate examples of this, all beautifully put together with Creevy’s falsetto vocals. Lyrically, the latter song’s theme of loneliness leads into the next, “Isolated,” the second song of the heavy percussion set. Keeping itself apart from the first, it has a slow, continuous fuzz about it that reminds me of a standby screen on an old TV and the corresponding fuzz sound.
Not to shy away from any exclusive heavy moments, “Stupid Fish” was a song that took me by surprise. A pleasant surprise, though. A ripping guitar solo paired with lyrics about not knowing anything? Absolutely. I can most align this song with grunge, something that would play in the background of Buffy The Vampire Slayer that I would desperately type lyrics into my search bar to find the song name and artist. When I heard Creevy scream, “I see myself in you and that’s why I fucking hate you,” I felt that.
Cherry Glazerr’s newest work shows how much the band has grown over the years, and I believe it’s their best and most sonically cohesive album yet. A fantastic listen for those looking for an alt-pop/grunge hybrid.
Disappointing / Average / Good/ Great/ Phenomenal
Kayla Carmicheal | @kaylacarmicheal
The Alternative is ad-free and 100% supported by our readers. If you’d like to help us produce more content and promote more great new music, please consider donating to our Patreon page, which also allows you to receive sweet perks like free albums and The Alternative merch.
