Soundz rating: 8/10
Racoon’s previous Dutch album was titled Spijt Is Iets Voor Later (Regret is Something for Later), but one thing is certain: the band has absolutely no reason to regret their new English-language album. Lead singer Bart van der Weide previously told Soundz that the new songs come across better in English, and he was right. It Is What It Is sounds familiar and authentic. It’s exactly what you’d expect: it’s Racoon.
By Marco Aarden
At the end of 2021, Racoon was the guest editor-in-chief of Soundz Magazine and appeared in the Soundz Podcast (S01E05). They discussed their successful Dutch-language album Spijt Is Iets Voor Later, which went platinum in the Netherlands. In that podcast, they talked about their transition from English to Dutch. Now, with their ninth studio album, they return to English, once again proving that both languages can coexist seamlessly in their repertoire. For younger listeners who mainly know Racoon for their Dutch hits, this English-language album will be a refreshing introduction.
A lot of atmosphere
On It Is What It Is, the blend of guitars from Dennis Huige and Maarten van Damme takes center stage, enhanced by strings and occasional brass instruments. But above all, it’s unmistakably Racoon: eleven atmospheric pop songs with an acoustic touch, marked by passionate vocals and lyrics. These songs explore themes like trust, friendship, temptation, comfort, parenthood, upbringing, and self-reflection.
As always, Bart van der Weide shares his life views in his lyrics, often in waltz time. “Because it sings and sways so nicely,” as he mentioned in the latest Soundz Podcast (S04E68). Singles like Nickel For Goodbye, It’s You Or Me, and The Ones We Seek pique curiosity for the rest of the album, but each song could just as easily have been a single. The track Parrot Says What? might be the biggest surprise of the album and will undoubtedly bring some humor to live shows.
It Is What It Is is available digitally, as well as on LP, CD, and as a limited edition deluxe vinyl box set, including the LP Live in Rotterdam and four exclusive photo prints. Starting on October 23, Racoon will be touring with this new album across the country.
