Two Door Cinema Club: False Alarm Album Review

By Jessie Bonner
Music Journalist

Artist:Two Door Cinema Club
Album: False Alarm
Release Date: June 21, 2019
Record Label: PIAS Records

False Alarm is Two Door Cinema Club’s fourth album, following Gameshow, which was released in 2016. Gameshow was vastly different from the trio’s first two albums and was not receieved well by their fans, mostly because it was a completely different sound and many felt that it was somewhat of an identity crisis. Both albums highly contrast the band’s formerly indie/alt-rock sounds and has transitioned into more of an electro-pop-funk sound.

False Alarm, however, does draw more indie-rock sounds from their debut album Tourist History. They captured their new electric sound from Gameshow and combined it with the alternative sounds of their first two albums. Despite their shaky hold on their popularity after the disappointment with Gameshow, Two Door reminds us that their prominent status in the indie-rock world isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The opening song “Once” is a perfect start to the album. With a synth beat beginning the song, it sets the tone for the rest of the album well. “Talk” is one of the band’s most thoughtful and inventive songs not only on False Alarm, but throughout the band’s entire discography. It has a funky beat and catchy lyrics such as “there’s nothin’ to it when you’re makin’ it rain,” that make me want to sing and dance along.

“Satisfaction Guaranteed” has great verses, but the chorus leaves something to be desired lyrically. “So Many People” captures the essence of Tame Impala, with a higher falsetto voice and smooth electric sounds. “Think” seems to be even more 80s inspired than the rest of the album and is one of my favorite songs on this album. The slower motion of the song combined with Alex Trimble’s higher pitched singing makes for a great track.

“Nice To See You” has a great solo bass guitar to start the song off and continues throughout the whole song. However, it doesn’t feel exciting or notable other than this. The track “Break” is nice and mellow, a more unique sound for the band and to me, a skippable song. “Dirty Air” has a lively feel that sounds like the lovechild of Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes. “Satellite” and “Already Gone” close the album with more funky ’80s-sounding beats. The chorus of “Satellite” is upbeat and surprisingly faster paced compared to the verses. The synth beats are another example of a mix of Gameshow and Tourist History.

All in all, False Alarm is a breath of fresh air after the identity crisis that was Gameshow. While it still sounds very experimental and not quite like their first and most popular album, it is taking a step in the right direction for sure. Two Door Cinema Club will not be going anywhere anytime soon.

Feature image by Aleksandra Kingo.