The album submerges sullen anecdotal and metaphoric themes in contrasting, optimistic musical tones, putting her in a class alongside Snail Mail and Petal. "Bloodstream" kicks off the album's 'blue' section with a thoughtful delivery and chugging guitar. Allison sings of the unsolicited metamorphosis from carefree youth to a mentally confusing high schooler and not knowing who you are anymore.
Depression and mental illness can be complementary attributes, so Color Theory makes a smooth transition from 'blue' isolationism and self-deprecation to 'yellow' anxiety and unsolicited breakdowns. The longest track on the record, "Yellow is the Color of Her Eyes," is a lofty yet dragging shoegaze song that feels medicated on a cloud of Zoloft. Allison writes of her mother's battle with cancer, tackling the anxious feeling of never spending enough time with someone while doubting that the time you had was well spent.
The complications with her mother's health and family echo throughout the album, fashioning a seamless passage into the final 'gray' mortality section. "Lucy" was purposely released ahead of announcing Color Theory and offered fans a hand-held transition stylistically from album to album. It pairs edgy, watery sonics with the theme of making the right choices for yourself while death patiently waits just under the surface.
It can be hard to imagine all these swirling doubts, pressures, and fears pouring out of a 22-year-old musician, but honestly, we have all gone through some facet of ugliness in our teen years; each person carrying a unique set of shackled hurdles and tragedy. Soccer Mommy's Sophie Allison just has a poetic talent for putting her experiences to relatable song.
Soccer Mommy performs at Union Transfer on March 31st, alongside an equally introspective Tomberlin.