Deeper, as a band, has always resonated more with the classic British post-punk style than with the more recent American bands that were inspired by it, like The Strokes or Interpol. These newer bands often adopted the look of post-punk without fully embracing its sound. Deeper's earlier albums reminded listeners of iconic post-punk sounds like those of Ian Curtis or a moody David Byrne. They epitomized the essence of post-punk.
However, in their album "Careful!", Deeper experimented more, incorporating electronic sounds, as well as elements of darkwave and art-pop. The inspirations for these sounds still come from the era between 1975 and 1985, but there's a richer variety in this album. Songs like "Build a Bridge" hint at this new direction, with the evident use of synthesizers. Similarly, the song "Glare" has smoother guitar tones and clearer drum sounds, indicating better studio equipment or techniques over the years.
Yet, Deeper hasn't abandoned their adventurous spirit. Songs like "Tele" have a haunting vibe due to the reverb on the vocals, while "Bite" and "Sub" have a rhythmic pulse that fits right in. The album has noticeable influences from David Bowie's time in Berlin and his early 1980s music. The lead singer, Nic Gohl, introduces a dramatic flair to his singing. The catchy parts of their songs now seem more focused on making people dance. This feels different from their 2020 album "Auto-Pain", where any danceable qualities seemed more coincidental.
While Deeper tries new things on this album, they still have their signature punchy style, as seen in "Airplane Air". There are moments in the album that don't stand out, like the three interludes, but the band's cohesion makes even these tracks worth a listen.
The overall tone of "Careful!" is lighter and more laid-back than their previous works. While the band is known for their anxious and dark themes, this album feels more relaxed and even playful. The title "Careful!" is apt as it can describe the band's approach to their music and the emotions they're expressing. Deeper is showcasing their growth, learning to express their anxieties in a beautiful manner.
https://deeperchi.bandcamp.com/album/careful
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_khdotQMYYaQbqrGR5S7ZZ5g29-rX2DYrs
