Succeeding across both introspective momentum and whirring alt-rock intensity, They Never Told Us Why is the resonating full-length debut album from NYC-based band Tabloid Nation. From the heartfelt pleas of forgiveness on “I’ll Make It Up to You” to the roaring urgency of “Mr. President,” the band navigates personal and societal reckonings with equal charisma — all within an enveloping sound touting ferocious shades of ’90s alt-rock nostalgia. Five of the album tracks also have accompanying music videos, here.
Opening track “I’ll Make It Up to You” quickly showcases the band’s versatile tonal range, shifting from feedback-laden intrigue into a sweltering dose of guitar distortion. The blast of guitars reminds fondly of Siamese Dream-era Smashing Pumpkins, while the vocals move in with emotional clarity, admitting “I forgot about what you said, tomorrow I need another chance,” as the invigorating harder-rocking guitars re-emerge. Admissions of one’s “selfish ways” and pleading for forgiveness play with heart-on-sleeve enthrallment. The subsequent “Spring” plays with a similarly personal yearning “to be friends again,” with lyrical reminiscing pairing with crunching guitar drives for a cathartic lead-in to the “spring is coming, I can feel it” hook.
“Mr President” then emerges with further charisma and pointed commentary on the divide between politicians and citizens they allege to serve for. Bass-forward verses build into a roaring, title-bearing chorus that mirrors the song’s escalating demand for attention. “Mr. President” confronts a detached leader, perched on the “balcony top of the mansion,” as the public “shout from the gate” in frustration. “Silver City” also compels, imploring to “ride with me into the sea / we’ll make it into the silver city” with triumphant, blaring rock ardor. “Helena” continues the strong run, exuding a more soaring vocal approachability, a la peak Collective Soul; the shift to lush, suave guitars around the 45-second mark is especially gripping in its “behind the walls of the camouflage” contemplations.
The twangy, psych-friendly beginnings of “Infrared” exude ample mystique, asking “ever wonder where we come from in the eyes of love and hate?” as sturdy pushes of guitar distortion complement the sense of lyrical wonderment. A guitar solo approaching the three-minute turn again reminds enjoyably of vintage Smashing Pumpkins — moving into the caressing “take my time, fall asleep” subdued charms. Meanwhile, a sense of smitten enamors on “Auburn,” where acoustic-set ruminations on uniqueness — “everyday I see her in the sunshine / she’s so different” — built into sporadic heavier rock buzzing. An impassioned cover of “Just the Two of Us” then follows, amiable and familiarly inviting with its catchy carpe-diem allure; its brass-y mid-point injections also stir, reminding enjoyably of Parklife-era Blur.
They Never Told Us Why concludes with a trio of dynamic successes, starting with the moody “American Star” — cautioning “don’t let it control you, or you will be mine” within a grungy, nostalgic passion. Thunderous percussion and an escalating vocal frenzy makes for a particularly catching moment past the two-minute mark. “Somewhere Below Union Square” pairs a “it’s cold and grey outside” setting with an evident “don’t know where you’ve been” yearning as its production seamlessly alternates between jangly depictions of loneliness and more escalated enthusiasm. Album finale “Soldiers” succeeds in a notably atmospheric realm, maneuvering from spacey synths and understated vocals into a thumping, anthemic rock prowess. They Never Told Us Why thoroughly succeeds from start to finish in its engaging songwriting and memorable rock productions.
