Empty Parks is the sixth studio album from Pia Fraus, an Estonian dream pop group who were prolific throughout the 2000s, then resumed productivity during the mid-2010s after a quiet period. The band's first release of the 2020s is business as usual for the group -- light, breezy indie pop filled with comforting vocal harmonies and wrapped in a cocoon of guitar and synth effects. For most of the album, the rhythms are brisk and driving without breaking the speed limit, and the tracks glide by without feeling forced along. The songs feel easygoing, particularly when the singers coo things like "Love, it's exciting," but they still manage to bury some weird things under the surface. Listen closely to tracks like "Nice and Clever" and you'll hear some strategically placed clangs and swells of feedback which other shoegaze bands would make the focal point of their sound. Pia Fraus are far more interested in songcraft, however, so they don't drown out their hushed vocals and chiming melodies, even though they clearly could if they were so interested. While some of their other releases are heavier on electronics, this one generally keeps the synth wisps and ticking drum machines in the background, but they nevertheless help transform songs like the washed-out "The New Water" or the adrenaline-spiked "Paper Flower Projects." While not exactly filled with anthems, there are a few catchy moments, particularly the starry "You're Not in Love," with its yearning chorus "Do you still believe?" Otherwise, the album is simply a refreshing, dreamy, not-too-sweet listen.
© Paul Simpson /TiVo