The latest offering from the Pierce sisters is not exactly how you’d expect the result of a shamanistic ayahuasca ritual to sound, but that’s precisely what it is. The LA-based duo claim that the inspiration for the infectiously sweet album came about after a few curious dabbles with the Peruvian hallucinogenic. Though the sugary, harmony-rich tracks aren’t typically psychedelic, there is something quite hypnotic about the record and at times the madly catchy melodies do indeed border on the otherworldly.
Title track ‘Creation’ is a striking whirl of flawlessly tight harmonies, which gives way to the jubilant, anthemic ‘Kings’. ‘Monsters’ is a standout, adding just a hint of a darker edge to an otherwise generally bright album, and ‘Come Alive’ has a rompy, upbeat, rock feel. The album overall is a pervasively happy mix of swooping beats, folky harmonies and hooky pop-ballad choruses. Melodically it’s really quite luxurious and the harmonies are always impeccable, but more often than not the songs are uncannily reminiscent of similar sister act First Aid Kit, and lyrically it becomes a bit cliché-heavy.
Creation is a gorgeous album at first, and very easy to listen to – but by the time you’re halfway through, it all becomes a bit too familiar. It’s a great shimmering pop fix, but maybe after the next trip they’ll write something just slightly deeper...