The first single from the forthcoming Veronica Falls record Waiting for Something to Happen, “Teenage” is the perfect ray of sunshine for one of the year’s darkest months. On their brilliant 2011 self-titled debut, the band displayed a knack for crafting catchy-as-hell pop songs with morbid lyrics. “Teenage” traces closely in their debut’s trail yet subtly plants a few footings of its own.
While most songs on Veronica Falls sounded best all wrapped up in autumnal layers, “Teenage” is more reminiscent of those late summer nights when nothing felt more free than driving around in a friend’s car. The song begins harmless enough, as Roxanne Clifford and James Hoare share lead vocals and a late night ride. Jangle-y guitars and a driving rhythm section propel the couple through the first verse. However, just as January’s sun sets too early, the darkness dips in during the chorus.
The band’s lyrics have always obsessed over lost love and loneliness, and “Teenage” is engulfed in the sentiment. It perfectly captures the fear and wonder felt at a time before we understand how fleeting young love can be. And while the verses do remain lighter hearted, the choruses kick in plenty of the, well, goth side of their goth-tinted pop.
The song speeds through its first two minutes, then unexpectedly comes to a devastating halt as screeching guitars replace Hoare’s vocals. In the end, all that remains is a heartbroken Clifford, only able to muster the phrase “It’s alright”. However, her depressing delivery is more honest than her words, making things clear that it’s going to be anything but.
While “Teenage” doesn’t stray far from Veronica Falls’ usual formula, the band does the whole “London ’80s/’90s nostalgia” thing so damn well it doesn’t matter: their songs never tire. Veronica Falls will embark on a lengthy stateside tour following the release of Waiting for Something to Happen in February. If you’re in Madison, be sure to catch them in all their jangle-pop-semi-sad glory at the High Noon Saloon on March 15.