ALBUM REVIEW: Issues - Issues

When I heard this American metalcore band's single ‘Hooligans’, at first I wasn’t too fond of the song because I thought the diversity between hardcore metal and hip-hop just doesn’t match. Then when I listened to it a couple more times, it grows on you and I began to notice the clever use of synths, riffs and anthemic chorus. That’s when I started listening to them regularly; their first EP Black Diamonds on repeat. Now, their first album release is coming up and it’s probably one of the most highly-anticipated albums this year after getting lots of recognition from supporting bands all over the world last year like Of Mice & Men, Bring Me The Horizon and Pierce The Veil. It’s a shame it was leaked a few weeks before the release, but when I got to listen to the whole album, I was amazed.

Starting off with Sad Ghosts, the intro builds up with snares, guitar and Michael’s screams and blasts us such an intricate riff and Tyler slows it down with his R&B voice. The pace goes up and down in this track like a rollercoaster and its overall pace it sort of similar to the other tracks. Second track, Mad at Myself, starts off with Tyler’s harmonic vocals singing the title track and the verses almost sounds like a breakdown and the chorus playfully uses synths and piano in the background, while the bridge is very muscular as all the instruments go nuts. Life of A Nine starts off with an 8-bit form of the riff, then Michael and Tyler take in turns screaming and rapping, and creates a familiar ‘Pierce The Veil’ influenced riff before the verse comes in, we also get to hear Tyler’s emotional vocals at the end, screaming out the last word. The Langdon House creates a muscular poppy intro while the verse is influenced by chilling horror with its use of synths. While the track Late, their most pop influenced track, infuses over-produced synths and clever riffs, and Tyler’s vocals are playfully mixed. The album’s first single, Stingray Affliction, blasts off with a strong riff and Michael’s unclean vocals are shown aggressively here, while the chorus almost has that ‘Enter Shikari’ feel bursting with adrenaline synths. Never Lose Your Flames focuses more on its lyrics, almost poetic, while the drums’ pace goes up and down with some punk beats. Personality Cult is probably their heaviest track, with Michael’s aggressive vocals builds up to a brawny breakdown and riff, and it is reckless throughout. Tears on the Runway, Pt. 2 contrasts the earlier track as it is their most emotional track on the album, with Tyler and Nylo’s duet sounds very passionate, despite the destructive guitar riffs and Michael’s screams. It just flows perfectly. The Settlement is another aggressive track, showing Michael’s talent while bursting with such an exuberant chorus. It’s short but sweet. Disappear (Remember When) ranges so many genres it’s hard to tell if it fits in the entire album. It starts off with a riff that sounds familiar to A Day To Remember’s works, while it ends with a gospel choir complementing Tyler’s vocals.

Overall: The whole album is filled with riffs that sound too familiar to the metalcore genre but it adds something new with its hip-hop influences and energetic synths. It’s boisterous and aggressive at the same time and it’s a brilliant first record for them.

8/10

Check out: Personality Cult, Tears on the Runway Pt. 2 (feat. Nylo), Life of a Nine

Their album is out on 17^th February