Album Review: Underdressed at the Symphony by Faye Webster

Cecelia Moore

Music Journalist

On March 1, Faye Webster returned with her fifth album, Underdressed at the Symphony. Faye has been an important voice of the modern indie rock scene since her debut self-titled album in 2017. Her iconic sound echoes throughout this album while branching into new facets of her musical sphere. On this record, Webster has established longevity and the ability to reinvent herself more than any project of hers before. This album welcomes back old fans in a familiar way while drawing in a new audience with a more experimental, edgy style.

Webster explores new sounds that are very different and far from her usual styles, while expertly fitting them into her sonic world. Songs “But Not Kiss” and “Lego Ring,” featuring Lil Yachty, are prime examples. Her warm, comforting familiarity rings through these tracks, with her use of Carole King-style piano and her smooth, soft jazz guitar. She adds a layer of discomfort through an unexpected melody, beat drop or artist of an entirely different genre. The collaboration between Webster and Lil Yachty fits perfectly in the beginning half of the album, introducing a new soundscape for listeners to dance to. “Feeling Good Today” is the biggest step into a new direction, an entirely autotuned, short narrative song unlike anything Webster has released before. Faye Webster has committed to a new sound and has executed the sound flawlessly.

The title track, “Underdressed at the Symphony” is one of the strongest on the album, painting the image of insecurity after a breakup. The chorus repeats, “Are you doing all the same things? / I doubt it.” The song takes on a melancholy, almost comforting sonic landscape. The end of the song builds into a symphony, as Webster repeats the lyrics, placing you in a seat at the symphony, overwhelmed by the feeling of nostalgia and loss she brings to life so effortlessly. Webster’s ability to convey a mood has always been one of her greatest strengths, but her vibe is exemplified and mastered in this record. She takes you through the intense feelings of love and loss, while also taking the time to appreciate the moments in between. 

Underdressed at the Symphony, is a beautiful combination of simple deep cuts and complex songs on mundane topics like “eBay Purchase History” and “Wanna Quit All the Time.” The song “Lifetime” portrays the bliss of finding the person you will be with forever, repeating the lyric “in a lifetime,” the accompaniment sets the beautiful mood of everlasting love. The song draws out an intense yearning while being stable, committed and complete, much like true love, intensely portraying a soulmate connection.

Faye Webster’s ability to compose dynamic and emotional pieces of music is taken to a new level on Underdressed at the Symphony with her biggest, most moving sonic landscapes yet. She has mastered her craft and is effortlessly moving into a new era of herself, with the freedom to explore and defy her boundaries.