On September 6th, Alexander O’Connel, also known as Rex Orange County, released his 5th studio album “The Alexander Technique.” With 16 songs to choose from, there is truly something on this album for everyone.
Alexander
“Alexander” starts the album off with a story about Rex going to the doctor for his back, only to be told that his back isn’t the real problem. The song sports a lone piano which meshes perfectly with the singers voice. The artist uses this song to say that he’s “finally being sincere”, which persists throughout the album.
Guitar Song
This song was released before the album and immediately proceeds “Alexander”. Ironically starting out with a guitar, the production eventually becomes larger than life with strings and other orchestral elements. The song is full of unanswered question for the singer, while he sits and tries to understand himself.
2008
“2008” is an ode to simpler times. Rex sings in his head voice for most of the song, alongside a driving drumbeat. The song mentions albums from well-known rappers that the singer was listening to when he was younger. The song is short, which is a play on how short and quickly his childhood ended.
Therapy
“Therapy” is about doing the work. The track is fun with quick string arrangements and ear-candy. Rex expresses his gratitude the hour once a week he gets to let it all out and work through his feelings. It as much of a banger as it is a message to try it for yourself.
4 In The Morning
This song bring the singer back to queerying. He can’t fall asleep because of his rampant thoughts. The song utilizes the singers voice uniquely, with choir sounds and interesting melody layers throughout the vocal.
Jealousy
In the beginning of this song, Rex wrestles with his own jealousy, almost deciding to put it on someone else to fix it. The focus of the production is a base being played behind the singers vocal, so you’ll focus on his words. However, the story swerves us, and Rex lets go of his jealousy, showing us all to look at the things we do have stating, “There’s no needs for jealousy today”.
The Table
Rex analyzes his dining table on this track. It features an intricate guitar arrangement played by the singer himself, opening up with strings and choir sounds. Rex thinks about all the people he’ll never meet in the world, wondering about things he’ll never have the answer to.
Pure
“Pure” could be called one of the love song of the album, starting with an almost tango-esque bassline. The artist sings about someone he may be seeing, hoping they come back to him when things settle down.
One of These Days
While one of the shorter tracks on the album, it is one of the best. “One of These Days” highlights what we all want, love and acceptance. He sings about what we hope to gain in our lives and how we get stuck in our own way, telling the listener to find their own way out. He tells the listener along a beautiful string arrangement “to end the cycle”, and find peace.
Carrera
This song is about chasing relief. Rex sings about how every time he conquers one things, there’s always something else he has to deal with. The song features a pulsing synth and muted drums, which accompany the singer in telling us to celebrate every success, even in the face of another adversity.
Much Too Much
“Much Too Much” is about handling the things we go through and understanding that it’s okay to be simple. The song has a consistent guitar riff introducing more and more textures to the song to emulate the title. Only to minimize it all towards the ends and have it all serve the peace Rex finds in the chaos.
Sliding Doors
The track begins with a hopefully piano, where Rex expresses to the listener that he is tired. However, the song persists and the singer takes a moment to reflect on everything that has come before this point in his life. Things have changed and evolved, but they haven’t changed his commitment to himself, which is a beautiful sentiment.
Lost For Words
Starting off as one of the simpler track on the LP in production, the song soon becomes dynamic, fading in and out of ear-shot, almost like one really is “Lost For Words”. The track expresses a bit of imposter syndrome the artist must wrestle with. A track truly about doubting oneself.
Look Me In The Eyes (feat. James Blake)
Rex Orange County doesn’t have many features, so when he does, you know it will be good. James Blake joins Rex on this track with a piano arrangement of his playing. The two harmonize over the track, only introducing a few strings, so the listener focuses on the emotion in their voices.
New Years
“New Years” glitches out in the beginning, by design of course. The song sports an odd sounding guitar alongside Rex’s vocals, where talks about wanting to make the most of the new years that will come.
Finally
When you reach “Finally”, it truly feels like a grand finale. The song features a string arrangement that follows Rex’s vocal throughout the song. Whatever you felt, or went through while listening to this album, when you listen to this track, it truly melts away.
Personally, this album is a 10/10, and I highly, highly recommend giving it a listen.
