Yet another export from across the pond is pop band Rixton. Their debut album Let the Road was released internationally on March 3. Currently, they are the opening act for Ariana Grande during her North American leg of her The Honeymoon Tour. The band’s summer plans include supporting Ed Sheeran in June and July. The lads also booked two headlining  arena shows in June. The band has no local shows, so the only way to enjoy the music is to listen to the album.

My top three favorite songs are “Let the Road,” “Hotel Ceiling,” and “We All Want the Same Thing.” “Let the Road” is a pleasing start to the album. This track is a three-minute long a capella song. All of the members’ voices flow very well and clearly showcase that they are talented with their voices. Since this is the first track, listening to it made me wonder if the band was as talented instrumentally (Spoiler alert: they are).

“Hotel Ceiling” is the next up-and-coming single for the band. The bass line played throughout the beginning of the song adds something different, even though this is a slow-paced song.

My personal favorite is “We All Want the Same Thing.” The guitar line is really groovy and very dance-able. There is yet again another effortless blend of vocals.

Although there were some stand-out tracks, there is one I would rather just skip on my Spotify playlist. “Wait On Me” is a very catchy tune–I won’t deny that. I can see this as a single that would be played on repeat on the radio–although I feel like I have heard this all before. Sounds like a 2014 era Maroon 5 song.

The swift guitar strumming and whistling hooked me right away in “Appreciated.” This track has an eclectic mix of folk and pop–but with a hint of R and B. The lead singer, Jake Roche, effortlessly cries out how appreciated he feels toward his lover, and the backing vocals also blend well together in this track. A standout lyric is “‘Cause it’s you who somehow is always the first, to take care of me at my worst.”

Want a pleasing feel good song to listen to? “Beautiful Excuses” is probably your best bet. “What makes an angel fall in love?” is the standout lyric that is repeated throughout the chorus. There is also a skillful guitar solo in the mix to end the song, although I would not call this standout song.

Anyone with a radio handy knows the track. “Me And My Broken Heart.” I love how this mixes pop with R and B elements. Over the summer, I saw them perform this at an award show, and from what I remember, they engaged the crowd and it looked like the spectators were enjoying themselves.

Different than all of the other songs on the album is “I Like Girls,” since a ukulele is played in the beginning. It’s a cheeky and cute song; I could see this being a pleasant road trip song to blast with friends in the summer season on the way to the beach.

An a capella solo from each member of the band reoccurs in “Speakerphone.” I love the fact that this proves that this band can do more than play instruments. Roche has some nice, effortless vocal note changes. He showcases how well he can sing the most in this track out of all the others.

The album concludes with “Whole,” which is a solid end to the album. I could see this at the end of movie credits, which perfectly fits the mold for being the last song on their debut album.

All in all, this is a strong debut album. I don’t know what it was, but I was expecting a little bit more, perhaps lyrically. The vocals and instrument playing were impressive, as was the effortless blend of both pop and R and B genres. I just wish the lyrics had more depth to them. But a sophomore album could provide the better lyrics that I hope for. I get a sense that they are one of those bands that is better live than on a record. This is a poppy, feel good album; but I just wish there were less overused lyrics.

The band’s official website is here.