Lucy Fitzgerald 
Balaclava Weather’s “Year of Trophies” is an absolute gem—effortlessly moody yet uplifting, with lush synth layers and brilliant vocal interplay between Tyler’s raw edge and Emma’s tender tones. The track opens with a hazy, radio-filtered hum that sets a spacey, nostalgic mood; then Tyler steps in on the first verse, his gritty voice pulling you into this reflective universe. Emma follows in the second verse, showing subtle growth in her tone—her voice still soft, but richer and more nuanced than before—creating a perfect complement to Tyler’s intensity.
What really hooks you is how the duo balances chill electro-pop with an undercurrent of punk grit—something they’ve mastered from their previous work like “Moons”. The pacing is impeccable—it flows smoothly, never rushing through the syllables, letting each lyric linger just enough to sink in. And then there’s that surprise in the bridge: a guest voice bringing a punchy hip‑hop vibe that cuts through the haze, adding an unexpected lift to the sonic atmosphere. I like the song so much that I keep replaying it over and over, and honestly, it deserves a permanent spot on everyone’s playlist because its mix of melancholy and energy captures this beautiful tension between celebration and introspection.
This song doesn’t try to overpower you with flashy choruses; instead, it gently builds a comforting, star-drenched soundscape, punctuated by moments of grit and vulnerability. “Year of Trophies” is a standout that proves Balaclava Weather are evolving beautifully—it’s perfect for late-night drives, deep thoughts, or just vibing out. Highly recommended!
Listening to songs so you don’t have to! Just kidding :D, you totally should. Music blogger by day, nurse by night
