Indie-rock ensemble Two Door Cinema Club recently released their fifth full-length album titled Keep on Smiling on Sept. 2. 

The group is mostly recognized for their debut record, Tourist History, released in 2010, which furthered a defining era of indie pop-rock for years to come. 

As a long-time fan of Tourist History myself, I admit to following their releases for quite some time, but I cannot say I was aware of this upcoming record until very recently.  

The record was teased with singles “Wonderful Life” and “Lucky,” both released this past summer. 

I gave “Wonderful Life” a listen when it was released, and it really didn’t do much for me. It essentially had the shell of what I would expect from the group: groovy lead guitar, fun hook, etc. … but it lacked in being genuine.  

The song’s message—being that one should live in the present and enjoy life as it is—came off a tad cheesy and contrived. Overall, the song felt as though it should play overtop some montage within a teen Netflix Original movie. 

As for the record, Keep on Smiling opens with “Messenger AD,” a synth-heavy instrumental that immediately reminded me of their previous project, False Alarm (2019), featuring that 80s sci-fi feel.  

Next, “Blue Light” follows suit with the synths. This track feels unfinished despite the long run time and relies on a very repetitive dance groove only reminiscent of “Funkytown.”  

“Everybody’s Cool” is a decently promising track, with a refined version of the 80s sound every other song on the record desperately grasps for. Despite this, it still doesn’t define itself. 

“Lucky” feels true to the band’s sound, with less synth emphasis and more tight, melodic guitar and bright vocals. Sadly, this is the high point of the album.  

The record falls entirely flat from this point on, including the forgettable ballad “High” followed by what are essentially filler songs, in the sense that they bring nothing new or interesting to the context of the record. 

Second to last is “Messenger HD” which compliments the opener, except it is effectively the same track with the addition of some strings. Again, entirely needless within the album. 

Additionally, I’m almost compelled to point out the happy, peppy direction Two Door Cinema Club has taken with this record considering indie rock group Foals has done the same with their latest, Life is Yours (2022). 

Both records draw upon the same concept—and yet both fail to really say anything. I would hate to claim anyone is a sell-out, but it isn’t hard to get a sense that they’re pining for a radio friendly hit. 

Lastly, I can appreciate what the band was trying to do with the closer, “Disappearer,” but it lacks in listenability, which is pretty ironic when applying my previous statement. 

Keep on Smiling is most suitable as background noise, but when diving into the content and sound itself you’ll find it is quite shallow.