AOTW: Personal Trainer – Still Willing

August 22nd, 2024 by Liz Kosik

by Liz Kosik ’25

Album of the Week: Personal Trainer – Still Willing

Released: August 2, 2024

Rate: 7.9/10

RIYL: Pip Blom, The Bug Club, Lime Garden

If you’re into pop music that keeps you guessing, Amsterdam’s Personal Trainer has got you covered with their second album. The brainchild of Willem Smit, who teams up with Casper van der Lans in the studio, Personal Trainer has already shown their knack for DIY indie-pop with their 2022 debut, “Big Love Blanket”. Willem is back with “Still Willing,” an album with contrast and energy. It’s a collection of lively melodies, creative arrangements, and playful lyrics, all delivered with a fresh dose of charm and enthusiasm.

“Still Waiting” is a 10-track piece with a 39-minute listening time. The album features songs such as “Cyan” and “Round,” each giving an early-2000’s indie-rock sound. However, tracks like “Intangible” offer more a synthetic pop taste. The album shows an excellent display of vocal and guitar expertise, also genuinely offering something for every listener.

Honorable Mention: Personal Trainer – “You Better Start Scrubbing”