Review: Tonight Alive - Limitless (#1)

Limitless is the eagerly awaited fourth full-length from Australian quintet, Tonight Alive. Described as a release showcasing a “powerful pop” sound”, the album differs from anything the band has previously released, with them transitioning from pop-punk to power-pop. A risky move, it appears the band have potentially pulled it off and have proved just how bold they can be.
Starting off Limitless is “To Be Free”. Comparable to 2013′s “The Ocean”, it features an electronic-punk vibe that will having everyone singing along and bobbing their heads. It’s followed by “Oxygen”, which offers a slower and steadier beat, with a piano melody and light drum pattern playing throughout. The song is the first introduction to Tonight Alive’s new sound and allows listeners to take it into consideration early into the album.
“Human Interaction” features another steady drum and acoustic guitar duo throughout, until about 2:40, when both pick-up speed and become noticeably heavier, complimenting vocalist Jenna McDougall’s powerful vocal composition. Overall, it has a peaceful vibe and is lyrically empowering, sending out a message of love and of finding the good amongst the bad. “Drive” follows, introducing a more laid back instrumental theme mixed with drum patterns, light piano trials and lots of Aussie-termed backing vocals (”yeah-yeah-yeah” and “no-on-no”). Lyrically, the song can be interpreted about breaking rules and exploring beyond boundaries, making a fun sing-along anthem.
“How Does It Feel?” starts out with high tempo guitar riffs until about five seconds in, when backing vocals and a loud drum beat follow throughout. It’s one of the few tracks that traces back to Tonight Alive’s punk-rock jams, such as “Say Please” and is similar to “To Be Free”, with its electronic-rock feel.
“Waves” is certainly the stand-out track for Limitless and is the one that best represents the band’s new direction. Starting out with a piano composition and McDougall belting strong, heartfelt vocals, it leads into acoustic guitar and drums. It’s a song that could perfectly fit into the end of a movie, and can also be interpreted as a lighters-in-the-air, hands waving tune when played live, especially with lyrics like “Don’t you ever wonder what it feels like? / Under water feeling low / Until you see white / Never know if we’re drifting away / Your love comes in waves”.
Following “Waves” is “Everywhere”, which features a strong piano throughout, along with medium tempo drum pattern and slow guitar riffs that build up into the chorus. It speaks about a loved one passing away and missing their presence, with a strong sense of nostalgia being present. “Power of One” is instrumentally similar to “Drive”, with empowering lyrics. Throughout, McDougall discusses her battles with previous mistakes and how they don’t define her today, as seen in the lyrics: “If I crash and burn / The one thing I’ve learned / It all made me who I am”.
“I Defy” has a heavy electric guitar and drum appearance, with a bit of piano in the background, which keeps the amped-up feeling strong. Lyrically, it can be compared to “How Does It Feel?” and 2013′s “The Fire”, with the ignition of not being controlled by someone else and taking life into their own measures. “We Are” follows, continuing with the overarching piano sound that’s present throughout Limitless. Lyrically, the song speaks of “we” as the upcoming generation and how we have to make the changes we want to see in our world, as no one can do it for us.
Closing the album is “The Greatest”, following the same acoustic guitar and piano combination. Lyrically, the song speaks of having a lifetime to figure out everything and becoming strong within the mind, as McDougall expresses through her strong vocal performance.
Overall, with the band’s transition from punk-rock to power-pop featuring slower beats, powerful vocals and an overall message of living free with no limits, I believe Tonight Alive have successfully pulled off Limitless, and this change will only mark more incredibly relatable and captivating songs in the future.
By Savannah Lee
