THE ACES
I’ve Loved You For So Long (Red Bull)
There’s something undeniably likeable about The Aces. Formed in the mid-2010s, the band have been quietly plugging away developing their brand of shiny, indie-influenced pop, with songs that are unapologetically wistful and romantic, as well as trying to break out of the reductive ‘girl band’ label.
I’ve Loved You For So Long, their third album, is The Aces’ first since the pandemic began and, like many artists who worked through that strange and isolating era, turns out to be their most personal to date, with the group looking within for inspiration.
Knowing that the foursome grew up in Mormon Utah contextualises the alluring romance of rebellion that runs through sisters Cristal and Alisa Ramirez and friends Katie Henderson and McKenna Petty’s music like a stick of rock. Nowhere is this clearest than on mid-album angst rouser Suburban Blues: “Cos good girls love Jesus / Not that girl from Phoenix.” That angst is fairly consistent throughout, as feelings of jealousy, loneliness and unrequited longing ring out over deceptively airy guitar.
From Girls Make Me Wanna Die to Miserable and Stop Feeling, this is decidedly a summer blues record in the mould of Lana Del Rey, albeit much more anthemic. (The group are making good on these themes by partnering with non-profit mental health organisation Sound Mind Live on their latest tour.) But despite the lows, The Aces never lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel on I’ve Loved You For So Long – making music with your favourite people. “The love of my life is this band”, says Cristal; “this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
words HANNAH COLLINS
Want more music?
The latest reviews, interviews, features and more, from Wales and beyond.