Alex G, the project of lo-fi singer-songwriter Alexander Giannascoli, a consistent source of inventive melodic concoctions, released his major-label debut, Headlights,co-produced by Unknown Mortal Orchestra bass guitarist Jacob Portrait, following up one of his strongest records, God Save The Animals in 2022. The album opts for a more sedate and moody sound but also with less of the homespun electronic manipulation he had become famous for.
The album harks back to the ‘attitude’ of the 1990s perhaps betraying most clearly one of his biggest influences, Elliot Smith (particularly on Spinning). Echoes of REM flitter through the bright melodies of Afterlife, while Real Thing attempts a Kozelek-ian acoustic shuffle. Louisiana marries his usual childish vocals to a hard-soft progression (a la Pixies by way of Weezer). There is also the Broadway-inspired tune Far and Wide and the EDM-folk of Bounce Boy. June Guitar, Oranges and Headlights meanwhile sit in the traditional melodic folk style.
While the arrangements are varied, the melodies are not particularly memorable and the performances often feel lifeless. Several tracks either end abruptly or feel underwritten. The banjo-driven Afterlife at least however delivers an effective folk-pop earworm.
Label: RCA Records
Released: July 18, 2025
Losing My Edge Rating: 5/10
Best Tracks: Afterlife