The Comeback We Didn’t Know We Needed — “Natural Pleasure” Reignites a Band’s Legacy

Review By Halina Wegner

After a nearly seven-year hiatus, few could have predicted the form this band’s return would take — but Natural Pleasure, out April 25th, is nothing short of revelatory. Fans once immersed in their earlier, more raucous catalogue will find themselves transported to an entirely new sonic world, one where emotion is draped in texture, and experimentation sits comfortably next to infectious melody.

Bringing in Ryan Lindsay as frontman — with vocals that shimmer like a mist at dawn — has proven to be a masterstroke. His voice is both spectral and grounding, capable of being ghostly one moment and deeply human the next. From the first track to the last, Natural Pleasure is not just a return; it’s a rebirth.

A New Sound, A Familiar Passion

Gone is the raw crunch of earlier works — in its place is a genre-blurring blend of indie-folk, psych-pop, and ambient rock, executed with remarkable cohesion. The album creates a dreamscape where layered synths, ghostly guitar lines, and rhythmic experimentation build a world around you, instead of simply asking you to listen.

From the shimmering melancholy of Funny to the understated groove of Cool, it’s clear the band spent their time away carefully refining not only what they wanted to sound like, but how they wanted us to feel. There’s a confident vulnerability woven throughout — intimate, introspective, and utterly magnetic.

Imagination – The opener sets the tone with gentle percussion and Lindsay’s voice floating like a memory just out of reach. The production is sparse yet rich, pulling listeners in with its cinematic quality.

Get Gone – A standout. Its minimal guitar riff paired with looping synths creates a hypnotic rhythm, while Lindsay delivers one of his most emotive performances. This track alone justifies the album’s existence.

Original Guilt – The most haunting song on the record. Built around atmospheric drones and minimal beats, it’s an aching exploration of emotional baggage, delivered with devastating grace.

You Got Me – A more upbeat, experimental bop with swirling textures and glitchy rhythms. It reveals the band’s willingness to take risks — and more importantly, how well those risks pay off.

Way Into Magic – Just as the album seems to wind down, this track reignites the fire. Its lush arrangements and ascending melody offer a cinematic swell that perfectly leads into the closing track.

Dreamin – A tender, stripped-back closer. Equal parts lullaby and love letter, it gently sets you down after the emotional journey.

Ryan Lindsay: The Voice That Transforms

Much of the album’s strength lies in Lindsay’s ability to inhabit these songs fully. His vocal range isn’t defined by power, but by intimacy and nuance. Whether crooning softly on I Swear or delivering layered harmonies on Think I Pass, Lindsay commands your attention without ever raising his voice. It’s rare to hear a new member make such a sweeping impact, but Lindsay feels like the missing piece we never knew the band needed.

The production on Natural Pleasure deserves high praise. Every sound is purposeful. Each instrument breathes in the mix, with ample space for sonic layering and emotional impact. There’s no filler here — only a carefully constructed journey that flows as naturally as a dream.

With each listen, new elements emerge: a whispered harmony here, a buried synth line there. It’s an album that rewards repeated dives, offering more the deeper you go.

The lyrical thread that ties Natural Pleasure together is one of searching — for identity, for peace, for meaning in fleeting moments. “Save Time” plays with nostalgia and urgency, while “Surely” and “Silent” feel like pages torn from a diary. The songwriting doesn’t demand answers; it invites questions, reflection, and interpretation.

Natural Pleasure is a bold, atmospheric triumph that breathes new life into a band long thought dormant. It’s not just a return — it’s a revelation. From Ryan Lindsay’s spellbinding vocals to the kaleidoscopic production and layered songwriting, this is a record that dares to shift the shape of modern indie-pop and succeeds beautifully. Natural Pleasure is haunting, heartfelt, and hypnotically well-crafted — easily one of the most surprising and rewarding albums of 2025. A stunning reinvention that proves time away can sometimes be the best creative fuel.

💿 Track List:

1. Imagination
2. Funny
3. Cool
4. Get Gone
5. I Swear
6. Original Guilt
7. Save Time
8. You Got Me
9. Think I Pass
10. Surely
11. Way Into Magic
12. Dreamin