Album Review: In The Sand She's Back by Outlines (1984)
Alright, let’s talk about this gem from the '80s—In The Sand She's Back by Outlines. This French band hit the scene with a mix of rock and pop vibes, but they weren’t just sticking to one lane. Nope. They threw in some New Wave and Post-Punk flavors too, making it feel like you’re cruising through time in a DeLorean that can’t decide if it wants to go fast or chill out. Released under Zap Zap Records in 1984, this album feels like someone bottled up the neon-lit streets of Paris and shook it real hard.
Now, I gotta say, two tracks stuck with me: “In The Sand” and “She’s Back.” And honestly? These songs are like those friends who show up at your door unannounced but leave you glad they came.
“In The Sand” hits you right away—it’s got this driving beat, kind of raw and punchy, like sandpaper on your soul. The guitars jangle just enough to make you want to move, but there’s also this undertone of longing. It’s not overly complicated, but man, does it stick. You know those moments when you’re walking alone, headphones on, and suddenly everything clicks? That’s what this track feels like. It’s nostalgic without trying too hard, like an old photograph you didn’t realize you missed until you found it again.
Then there’s “She’s Back,” which is… well, different. It starts off almost shy, like it doesn’t wanna grab attention, but then BAM—it slaps you with these sharp synths and a bassline that feels like it’s sneaking around in the dark. The vocals have this cool detachment, like the singer knows something you don’t. By the end, you’re left wondering, “Wait, who’s back? What happened?” But that’s the thing—it doesn’t spell it out for you. You fill in the blanks yourself, and somehow, that makes it even better.
What gets me about this album is how it balances grit and gloss. Like, yeah, it’s polished enough to sound intentional, but it’s still messy in all the right ways. It reminds me of those late-night conversations where no one really knows what they’re talking about, but everyone’s laughing anyway.
So here’s the kicker: listening to In The Sand She’s Back feels like finding a forgotten VHS tape in your attic. You press play, half-expecting static, but instead, you get something weirdly beautiful. Who knew France could drop an album like this in ‘84? Maybe we should’ve paid more attention back then. Or maybe… just maybe… it was waiting for us to catch up.
