Floral Couches - Not Quite Your Type

​Floral Couches

Not Quite Your Type
self-released; 2016

​3.8 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

may be a familiar name to those of you who check this site regularly. Gray was formerly in the band Young Adult. The three-piece band put out two EP’s. I surmise that the move to Chicago was the reason for the split. Gray wasn’t going to let that stop him from making music. His solo project Floral Couches is his latest endeavor. Not Quite Your Type is an eight-song album.

On his Bandcamp page he mentions the music is experimental pop. I’m not sure I heard enough experimentation for this to be considered experimental to my ears. The melodies were palatable and I felt most of the music fell into synth pop territory.

Up first is the upbeat “Feelings Are Strange.” I was reminded of the band The Strokes if they were a little more happy and used synth. This was mainly due in part to the guitar riff. The lyrics are  pretty straightforward. Gray sings, “I don't care if you wanna / Go and take a chance with me. / I can't tell you what to do, girl I only want to be with you, girl.”

“Shake a Leg” also has a garage rock feel to it. There are a number of songs moving forward that veer towards straightforward synth pop. The very next  song is “Oh Yeah” but a bass and soft synth are the main instrumentation. The omission of the guitar gives the song a different feel compared to the two previous tracks. “All Day” is another track that embraces synth, a boat load of reverb and puts the guitars aside. 

The second half contained some of the highlights. The ethereal and very dreamy “Floating Away” was catchy, mellow and arguably the most experimental track. I thought the most single-worthy track was “Keys” which was immediately catchy and enjoyable. 

​Some artists need a group to thrive. In Gray's case I say he is just as capable solo as he is with a group. Recommended.

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