UNDER THE ACES’ INFLUENCE
Their Sophomore Record + New Queer Love Song
The phenomenal girl group The Aces had one of the most stunning debuts of the year when they released their album When My Heart Felt Volcanic in 2018. Now, more than two years later, their sophomore album is almost here.
The four members, all childhood friends who formed their band when they were teenagers living in Utah, are a self-made success story. Inspired by Lorde’s 2014 Grammy win at age 18, they dove headfirst into full-time music making soon after, when they were teens themselves. Their hard work eventually earned them a record deal with the indie label Red Bull, which led to the release of three EPs and one album, an opening spot on 5 Seconds of Summer’s Meet You There Tour and their own headlining tour of North America.
In March of this year, the Aces started gearing up for the release of album number two. The women have discussed in recent interviews that this album feels particularly vulnerable, and in creating it, they pushed themselves farther than ever before. The Aces have released four singles prior to the release of Under My Influence, and each delves into a distinct emotion against the backdrop of 80s-informed guitar melodies.
“Daydream” was the first single to drop, a flirty and playful tune with a music video to match. Next came “Lost Angeles,” with its more serious tone and muses on the timeless struggle of a dysfunctional relationship. Third was “My Phone Is Trying To Kill Me,” a sassy almost-rock song that explores the very contemporary problem of an ex’s inescapable online presence.
The Ace’s latest release, and perhaps their most noteworthy, is “Kelly.” The band timed its release to coincide with the beginning of Pride Month. On social media, they posted a statement that explained this was the first time they used their music to acknowledge “diversity of sexuality” within the group. “Kelly” is a dizzying almost-love song with awesome instrumentals that give it a spunky edge.
The Ace’s sophomore album Under My Influence is scheduled to release June 12.
