Hemlocke Springs - the apple tree under the sea (2026)

I admire the ambition more than I love the execution. The Apple Tree Under the Sea is clearly trying to build a mythos — religious symbolism, self-liberation, theatrical pop maximalism — and I respect how committed it is to that vision. The problem is consistency. The album jumps between breakbeats, glossy synth-pop, gospel flourishes, and art-pop drama without always feeling structurally anchored. Individually, moments hit. As a whole, it feels restless rather than purposeful.

There’s talent here — strong melodic instincts, bold production choices, and a clear desire to escape generic alt-pop lanes. But at this stage, the cohesion isn’t tight enough for the concept to fully land. It’s interesting. It’s occasionally thrilling. It’s just not fully locked in.

Pros

1. Memorable hooks – Even when the production shifts wildly, the choruses tend to stick.

2. Ambitious conceptual framing – The religious / self-mythologizing imagery gives the album identity beyond playlist pop.

3. Fearless production palette – Breakbeats, gospel textures, theatrical synths — she’s not playing safe.

Cons

1. Fragmented flow – The stylistic swings feel more abrupt than evolutionary.

2. Overcrowded arrangements – Some tracks stack ideas instead of refining them.

3. Emotional distance – Despite the big themes, it doesn’t always feel personally grounded.

Genre: Synthpop
Country: US

Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 21th / 134

Highlight: head, shoulders, knees and ankles

Made me think of:
Charli XCX
Caroline Polachek
Rina Sawayama

#newalbum #newalbum2026 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery
#Synthpop #HemlockeSprings #US
#LP #Album #release

 

Previous