Millennial Pop-Rock Duo's Nostalgic Blast from the Past Fails to Captivate

In the last few months, the Los Angeles pop duo After has gained attention on social media for their self-titled EPs released this year. Vocalist Justine Dorsey and producer Graham Epstein, who often resemble the visual aesthetic of the duo Frou Frou, are the closest thing to Y2K time travelers. However, their debut work is more of a nostalgic cash-in than a compelling artistic statement.

The duo's simulations of early 2000s radio-friendly subgenres, such as breakbeat pop, are technically impressive but ultimately lack originality and emotional impact. Tracks like "300 dreams" and "Deep Diving" faithfully recreate the sounds of that era, from Dorsey's Coldplay-esque vocals to the familiar chord progressions. Yet, the songwriting decisions often fracture the nostalgic lull, leaving the listener unsatisfied.