In Review:
Grit and Dreamscapes: Violet Grohl Proves She’s a Force to Be Reckoned With on Be Sweet To Me
Violet Grohl - Photo by Bella Newman
Reviewer: David Weddle
Artist: Violet Grohl
Album: Be Sweet To Me
Release: 29th of May 2026 via Auroura Records / Republic Records
Artist: Violet Grohl
Album: Be Sweet To Me
Release: 29th of May 2026 via Auroura Records / Republic Records
"It is a timeless track that could easily still find itself on playlists twenty years from now."
2026 is proving to be a big year for Violet Grohl as she releases her highly anticipated debut album, Be Sweet To Me via Auroura Records / Republic Records. It is a record that is full of contrasts and contradictions as Violet shifts seamlessly between musical styles as she makes her mark on the music world with a spectacular introduction to her own artistic identity.
Violet proves she is a force to be reckoned with right from the start with opener 'THUM', with distortion heavy guitars right out of the gate, a glimpse of things to come as this heavy distortion carries over into '595', a track that is a hard hitting, track thanks to the thunderous drums and clever use of distortion that contrasts beautifully with the almost shoegaze-esque vocals.
Shifting gears, Violet keeps you on your toes with the up tempo 'Bug in the Cake' that is reminiscent of 90s to early 2000s stylistically indie rock. It is a really great track to let loose to in contrast to the previous track '595'. One of many contrasts on this album that make it so interesting. The record’s dynamic range is perhaps best seen on "Last Day I Loved You." The song builds on a low-level, growling bass that serves as a backdrop to Violet’s dreamy vocals before suddenly kicking into a massive, melodic chorus, a genius move.
The midway point of the album unearths some hidden treasures. "Big Memory" that has really cool, heavily nostalgic indie rock vibe to it. It is a timeless track that could easily still find itself on playlists twenty years from now.
Switching things up a bit with atmospheric soundscape of "Applefish". Enchanting vocals float over a quiet landscape that is intermittently filled by a gloriously sludgy, gritty bassline and soaring guitar work. Grohl's rebellious edge takes centre stage on "Cool Buzz." The track plays a brilliant game of sonic tug-of-war with a constant back-and-forth between chilled-out vocals and a high-energy switch up into a full on rock anthem. It delivers absolutely everything you need to rock out to, so get rocking folks!
"Pool of My Dreams" serves up a very laid-back, dreamy soundscape. Sonically, it is the perfect antidote (if one were needed) to the high-voltage energy of "Cool Buzz," giving the mind and ears a chance to reset before Grohl gently closes the curtains on the album with the gorgeous, acoustic-led gem "Plastic Couch."
Be Sweet to Me is an incredibly accomplished debut that keeps its energy moving from start to finish. Violet Grohl switches between musical styles with an ease that shows just how diverse her musical influences are, and also how accomplished she is at songwriting and performing.
This as an debut album she should be immensely proud of. More than just a great collection of songs, it is a definitive sign of major things to come.
Violet proves she is a force to be reckoned with right from the start with opener 'THUM', with distortion heavy guitars right out of the gate, a glimpse of things to come as this heavy distortion carries over into '595', a track that is a hard hitting, track thanks to the thunderous drums and clever use of distortion that contrasts beautifully with the almost shoegaze-esque vocals.
Shifting gears, Violet keeps you on your toes with the up tempo 'Bug in the Cake' that is reminiscent of 90s to early 2000s stylistically indie rock. It is a really great track to let loose to in contrast to the previous track '595'. One of many contrasts on this album that make it so interesting. The record’s dynamic range is perhaps best seen on "Last Day I Loved You." The song builds on a low-level, growling bass that serves as a backdrop to Violet’s dreamy vocals before suddenly kicking into a massive, melodic chorus, a genius move.
The midway point of the album unearths some hidden treasures. "Big Memory" that has really cool, heavily nostalgic indie rock vibe to it. It is a timeless track that could easily still find itself on playlists twenty years from now.
Switching things up a bit with atmospheric soundscape of "Applefish". Enchanting vocals float over a quiet landscape that is intermittently filled by a gloriously sludgy, gritty bassline and soaring guitar work. Grohl's rebellious edge takes centre stage on "Cool Buzz." The track plays a brilliant game of sonic tug-of-war with a constant back-and-forth between chilled-out vocals and a high-energy switch up into a full on rock anthem. It delivers absolutely everything you need to rock out to, so get rocking folks!
"Pool of My Dreams" serves up a very laid-back, dreamy soundscape. Sonically, it is the perfect antidote (if one were needed) to the high-voltage energy of "Cool Buzz," giving the mind and ears a chance to reset before Grohl gently closes the curtains on the album with the gorgeous, acoustic-led gem "Plastic Couch."
Be Sweet to Me is an incredibly accomplished debut that keeps its energy moving from start to finish. Violet Grohl switches between musical styles with an ease that shows just how diverse her musical influences are, and also how accomplished she is at songwriting and performing.
This as an debut album she should be immensely proud of. More than just a great collection of songs, it is a definitive sign of major things to come.