The Indestructible Water Bear – ‘Everything is OK’ [Album Review]

Vaguely reminiscent of The Cranberries, the Philly-based outfit The Indestructible Water Bear’s debut album, Everything is OK, amalgamates elements of indie-rock, ’90s alternative, and hints of jangly dream-pop into unique songs drenched in emotions.

Lead vocalist Gail Farmer explains that Everything is OK “explores the complexities and power of love and how it can define our emotional landscape in ways that both heal and hurt us.”

She adds, “We wanted the songs on this album to be rich with dynamics, mirroring the intensity and complexity of feelings that come with parenthood, friendship, romantic love. and loving oneself.”

The Indestructible Water Bear is made up of Gail Farmer (vocals), Jon Lipson (drums), Jimish Mehta (bass), and Geoff Rezvani (guitar). The band’s name – The Indestructible Water Bear – refers to Tardigrades, the micro-animal informally called water bears or moss piglets. Tardigrades can survive in extreme conditions.

Of the seven tracks on Everything is OK, entry points include “A Thousand Suns,” a personal favorite because of its jangly guitars and Farmer’s appealing vocals, evoking an array of profound feelings via almost soft, vivid tones. It’s the sound of her voice rather than the lyrics that pulls listeners in.

Sparkling and airy, “Missing You” rides a syncopated rhythm topped by shimmering layers of throbbing guitars as Farmer’s translucent voice imbues the lyrics with gentle, sensitive colors.

The Indestructible Water Bear, photo courtesy of artist

A measured rhythm props up “My Baseline,” a surrendering, undulating tune constructed on a delicious dream-pop melody tinted with bluesy aromas.

Another favorite, the title track, ebbs and rises–ranging from thick, heavy guitars on the chorus to light, gleaming surfaces on the verses. This dynamic shift gives the tune an interesting harmonic contrast, allowing Farmer to display her day-glow vocal range–bathed in gliding, soaring, and floating textures.

With Everything is OK, The Indestructible Water Bear distills dream-pop and indie-rock into a remarkably satisfying debut album.

Everything is OK Track Listing:

1. A Thousand Suns
2. I Walk the Night
3. Missing You
4. My Baseline
5. The Center of the Universe Smells Like Raspberried
6. Nothing Will Be the Same
7. Everything is OK

Run Time: 30:11
Release Date: January 1, 2025
Record Label: Superfluous Records