Personal Trainer - “Former Puppy”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Yard Act, Cake, Wet Leg

It’s surprising Personal Trainer’s debut record Big Love Blanket seemed to have fallen under most radars when released last November given how strong and affirming the Dutch band sound across their far-reaching, alt-rock landscape. Grimy, rock-and-roll riffs power much of Big Love Blanket, but there’s some pop tightness that keeps their music in a constant drive forward. Those catchy guitar patterns lead to even catchier choruses, bursts of sing-a-longs that counterbalance nicely with speak-sing vocals that dominate Personal Trainer’s verses. That ‘talking’ style of performing many times comes across as serious and pointed, but in Personal Trainer’s music that same concept sound fun and is delivered with a wink. Songs bleed into one another on Big Love Blanket, giving some art-rock qualities acting in concert with bouncy, jangly grooves laid down like a sonic anchor. While rhythmic and rooted in post-punk, Personal Trainer often sound low-key pretty on Big Love Blanket and should come across equally visceral and charming live come SXSW 2023. (Kevin McStravick)