On Dec. 2, 2024, indie-pop band TV Girl partnered with synth-pop musician George Clanton, releasing their new album, “Fauxllennium.” Consisting of seven tracks, “Fauxllennium” immerses listeners in a euphoric-sounding journey.
The lead single and first track, “Summer 2000 Baby,” samples “Summer 2000” by X-Cetra. This track creates a playful sound through hard-hitting piano chords, reminding one of Piero Piccioni’s song “Brasil 2000.” “Summer 2000 Baby” paints the memory of summer in the 2000s as bright and lively, with the lyrics describing a carefree and childlike time.
“Summer 2000 baby / Let’s go completely crazy / Don’t be shy, just jump on in / And let the party begin,” they sample from X-Cetra.
Their next track, “Everything’s Blue,” shifts away from the fun vibe of “Summer 2000 Baby.” The electronic music throughout this track makes one feel like they are sinking. Clanton reminisces on the past and how it slowly feels like it is being taken away from him.
“Wait, wait / It’s been such a long day / I wanna wash our lives / Back out to sea / I don’t belong here / I’m going underwater / Just like I’m supposed to / Back underwater / Everything’s blue,” Clanton sings.
Here one can interpret Clanton as feeling trapped in the present while reminiscing about the past. Clanton is not where he wants to be in life and wants to wash away his current life.
The production styles of both TV Girl and Clanton can be found on their fourth track, “Butterflies.” Re-introducing TV Girl listeners to a familiar voice, “Butterflies” features indie-pop musician Jordana. Jordana and TV Girl also released their duo album in 2021, titled “Summer’s Over.”
“Butterflies” samples Shira Small’s 1974 track “Eternal Life,” which is about the desire for lasting love. Jordana illustrates how love constantly eludes her and how it is often short-lived. All three musicians come together in this tale of heartbreak.
“On somе velvet morning, when our love was slowly forming / You said it wouldn’t hurt you if I left without a warning / Baby, baby, why would you lie to me,” Jordana sings.
In their last track, “Yesterday’s World,” both Clanton and TV Girl’s lead singer, Brad Petering, sing about the treasures the past gifted them. Through electronic instruments, the duo reminisces on the past while wondering what the future has in hold.
“Yesterday’s world / Seems so far away these days / Yesterday’s dreams / Seems just so right to me these days,” Petering sings.
“Yesterday’s World” also samples Dimension X, a sci-fi radio program broadcast in the 1950s. The use of samples in this track helps solidify the musicians’ message as they feel their past is fleeting.
“Time is an interesting phenomenon / A ticking clock, the running sand, an hourglass / You have just heard another adventure / Into the unknown world of the future,” they sample from Dimension X.
The use of multiple samples in TV Girl’s music is quirky and offers an interesting sound for one’s listening experience. The use of each sample is curated and purposefully used to enhance the overall message of the album, solidifying TV Girl as a fun and innovative band.
Through hypnotizing beats, Clanton and TV Girl share the story of their lives. Overall, “Fauxllennium” is a euphoric journey through their past experiences, present doubts and unknown future.