Recently shortlisted for both the 2015 NME and BRIT Awards, Liverpool-based band All We Are is the latest to latch on to the seemingly endlessly growing number of indie-rock bands vying for attention and supposed critical acclaim. Featuring guitar riffs, lots of drums, and rock-based production, All We Are ticks most of the boxes on the ‘alternative’ checklist. However, they also feature heavy bass, whispered vocals, and an overall atmospheric sound more akin to that of a The xx record.

Part The Naked and Famous, part CHVRCHES, and with a hint of Daft Punk on the standout track “Feel Safe,” All We Are should have called themselves ‘We Are All’. The record lends itself to multiple listens—not because it merits them based on impressiveness, but because it’s hard to believe that after a record of 11 intricately produced songs, there is so little to grab on to. “There’s something about you,” they sing; clearly a statement directed towards anything but their own album.

All We Are isn’t completely terrible; the synthesizers on “Honey” are extremely likable, and the opening hook of “I Wear You” is brilliant. However, this reconstruction of vague ’80s guitars, synths, and layered vocals makes it hard to tell it apart from anything else in the indie-rock arena. Maybe this doesn’t matter; maybe a rehash is a respectful nod to music of the past. However, here it just falls flat—like a collection of torch songs with no flame.

Background music? Yes. Studying music? Absolutely. But that’s it; All We Are could be good for any mood, event, or circumstance, and while the band should be applauded for their incredible ’80s sound, it lacks a certain thing called personality—something actually worth liking it for.