“Joyland” is the ironically–named second LP from gothic–synth artist Trust, and it sounds just like what you would expect gothic–synth to sound like: Crystal Castles, except less catchy. While the starry, mellow sound of the opener “Slightly Floating” eases you into the album, each track gets progressively darker and heavier. Even less heavy, “happier” songs like the title track “Joyland” are cold and distanced. The album is vaguely reminiscent of hot afternoons in the car with your mom listening to brooding 80’s pop. It’s kind of good, but it also gives you a slight headache.
Grade: C+
Download: “Are We Arc?”
Sounds best when: Walking home (alone)
