Led by Annika Norlin, Hello Saferide puts forth a smoother rendition of pop highlighted by pinpoint lyrics on More Modern Short Stories From Hello Saferide. Reminiscient of Jens Lekman’s gripping lyric descriptions, Hello Saferide mixes a lounge-pop sound with personal, but theatrical lyrics.
Mostly describing personal relationships, like the regret-filled duet of “Overall”, the album shines a bright light on Norlin’s subject matter like that of a nightclub spotlight. “Parenting Never Ends” is a similarly personal, but more delicate, track and “25 Days” is a choral swoon featuring some of Norlin’s most poweful lyrics. And, in the brighter spots of More Modern Short Stories…, “Travelling With HS” rocks out on a ’90s brit-pop vibe, and “Sancho Panza” glides on an energy-spewing, alt-rock riff.
Throughout, cool guitar strums, piano-led romps, and Norlin’s crisp vocal delivery give the album a lasting impression. On top of that, her lyrics provide a fine edge to the gleaming pop sound, and the album succeeds equally narratively as it does musically.