Thursday 30 May 2019

ALBUM REVIEW: Bloom by Troye Sivan

Image result for bloom album coverholy guacamole guys

Bloom is the second studio album from South African-born singer Troye Sivan. Now, I remember when Blue Neighbourhood came out and everyone on Tumblr had a little fangirl over it, but I never really got the general gist of it all. Listening to Bloom made me realise what I was missing out on. The album starts off well with "Seventeen" but once it gets past that there are some great songs on there, including a fucking banger with "Dance To This" which features Ariane Grande. I didn't think I would actually enjoy this, but now I've listened to it, I enjoy it so much more. It might be on the top 20 list of this year.

Devil's Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: Silent Crowns by DisMissedFit

Image result for silent crowns album coverhuh, did not expect to enjoy a rap album that much

You know what, I'm surprised. DisMissedFit is a rapper who I actually can't find much info on except that this is his creative outlet. The EP, Silent Crowns, is actually really good. From the get-go, I was surprised at first because I didn't really expect rap, but then it just kept flowing and I was hooked on it. It was great. It did subside after a while, but it stayed strong and for that reason, I believe we should take a shot to Silent Crowns.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Sick Boy by The Chainsmokers

Image result for sick boy album coverwhy did the first song have to sound so similar

No word of a lie, the first song of this album "This Feeling" sounds like it has the same beat as The Chainsmokers' single "Something Just Like This". If that's any indicator of what The Chainsmokers are about, then this is gonna be a fun review. The artist/producer duo's second album is okay. It has the beats and it has some good vocals as usual. There was one song where I was surprised there was such a diverse EDM drop on it, so I looked and I think it was just another DJ who featured on the track. What I'm getting at is The Chainsmokers music is boring. It's good and you can enjoy it sometimes, but you can't really listen to a whole album without being like "have I heard this one already?". That's my major drawback about this album, despite having solid songs.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Noonday Dream by Ben Howard

Image result for noonday dream album coverthe current last album on the 2018 shortlist

Noonday Dream is the third studio release from mercurial British singer/songwriter Ben Howard. With this album, it has some nice guitar and dreamy vocals and such, however, I didn't really feel that intrigued by the music. It was nice but I didn't find myself enjoying it, feeling it was more like background music at points. Due to this, I can't really give it a great score.

Devil's Score: 6

ALBUM REVIEW: Sweetener by Ariane Grande

Image result for sweetener album coverwe did it boys

Sweetener is the fourth studio album from American television star turned pop star Ariane Grande. I had seen this album thrown around as one of the best of 2018 prior to listening to it, even seeing it in the top 3 of someone's list. So, did it hit those expectations? Not exactly. I enjoyed the album, no doubt about it. But it didn't feel special to me. It was great pop music, but nothing that made me think this was world-class. Sweetener is a great album, but in my opinion, it's not great. Therefore. everybody take a shot.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Suncity by Khalid

Image result for suncity  album covergood ol Khalid

Suncity is the second studio release from young star Khalid. When I was talking about this album with someone, they said they enjoyed Suncity (the song) but not really the rest of the album. Well, I beg to differ. I did enjoy the album, especially the start and the end. Suncity is a great song, and Vertigo is a great song to start on. Unfortunately, I did fall into the background noise listen again, which means a lot of the songs just became nothing in my head, therefore I can give it a respectable score for some shots.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Blacklight (The Export, Vol. 2) by Karl Wolf

Image result for blacklight karl wolf album coverrasta AND bollywood? what is this?

Apparently, Karl Wolf is one of the biggest musical acts in Canada. Now we can move on from that, I'm confused by this album. One song seemed to have strong Bollywood vibes, kind of like how Lean On by Major Lazer did it. However, the last song had an off-beat, reggae vibe to it. Literally, this album feels like a mess but it's kind of okay. The songs are decent, and Way Low featuring Nelly is quite a vibe. Despite the songs, I can't see myself listening to this often afterwards.

Devil's Score: 6

ALBUM REVIEW: Super Sunset by Allie X

Image result for super sunset album coverelevator going up...

You know an album is gonna be something when the intro is some elevator music. Allie X is a Canadian electro-pop artist who I have reviewed before when I had a look at CollXtion II (that got a 9). I will say there were some really good songs on this album and I do enjoy Allie X as a performer. However, there's a little spark that I need from albums in order to give them the high scores and I didn't really get that from Super Sunset. Nevertheless, it is a great album from Allie and I suggest you give her a listen.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Awake by Alison Wonderland

Image result for awake alison wonderland album coverbit too far down the rabbit hole

Alison Wonderland is a singer and DJ from Sydney, Australia. This is her second album and I've got to say I'm slightly disappointed with what I got. First up, the first build in the song Good Enough sounds like it's building towards the Sanic Darude Sandstorm remix, which isn't the best impression to have at the start. Some of the beats were okay, but Jesus was there some bad songs on here. Firstly, the Trippie Redd feature is actually so awful I had to skip that song. A lot of the time, the music is irritating and annoying to a point that I wanted to move on so badly. I will say there are some good songs, especially the eponymous ending song "Awake", but that's 14 songs too late. For an album that uses the singer's voice saying "fuck me up" as a fill-in beat, I hope this score can suffice.

Devil's Score: 4

ALBUM REVIEW: Nina Cried Power by Hozier

Image result for nina cried power album covergood ol Hozier

Nina Cried Power is the most recent EP from Irish singer Hozier, who you may remember from "Take Me To Church". His new EP does have the banger that is "Nina Cried Power" which features Mavis Staples, which is basically a plus for most singles, and the other songs are okay too. It didn't grab me as much as other albums, and it was fairly short, therefore, it gets a respectable 7.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Narrated For You by Alec Benjamin

Image result for narrated for you album coverwell this was fucking beautiful

I have never heard of Alec Benjamin. But god damn, if this debut album isn't a hit. Straight when "If We Have Each Other" came on, I had a feeling that this album was going to be special. A lot of these songs are so calming, so emotional and have such a lovely voice behind them, as well as some great instrumentation. There isn't really a song on there I dislike either. I'm wholeheartedly impressed by this album and I wholly suggest that you guys have a listen to it too.

Devil's Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships by The 1975

Image result for a brief inquiry into online relationships album coveri really wanted to like this

ABIIOR is the third studio album by British band The 1975. I think this review might go on for a while so give me time. My feelings about The 1975 are... odd. Some of their songs I do genuinely enjoy, such as "Chocolate", "The Sound" and "Sincerity Is Scary" from this album. But there's also a part of me that dislikes The 1975 for some reason. If you recall, I gave their self-titled album a 6/10, and there's part of me that doesn't really enjoy lead singer Matt Healy, whether that's as a person or an artist. Either way, I tried to stay unbiased during this review, because I wanted to give the band their chance. Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. I was hoping for an album that would wow me and just take me off my feet. Instead, we got the hits like "Give Yourself A Try" and "TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME", some good other songs, but a lot of meh and some interludes that didn't really hit the spot for me. I'll say it's an improvement over their self-titled album, but it still didn't make me tip on the edge for The 1975. Maybe if I ever listen to "I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it", perhaps my general view of the band would improve, but for now, I'm indifferent on them.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: BLUE SHORTS EP by Keith

i think i might ruin a friendship today

(Editor's Note: Someone suggested their own EP, so a lot of this review addresses the person)
I'll give it to you, the beats that were used for these hip-hop tracks are amazing. Like they are great backings for your raps and they were a highlight for me. The thing is that I didn't really enjoy your flow. I know that it's supposed to be freestyle hip-hop, and maybe it's something that isn't my cup of tea, but I didn't enjoy most parts where lyrics were rapped or sang out of time. I will say though that the bonus track was actually pretty good.

Devil' Score: 3

ALBUM REVIEW: The Choices We Face by DROELOE

Image result for the choices we face album coverwhy does this happen always?

DROELOE are a Dutch EDM duo who I have reviewed before on this series. The Choices We Face is a really nice album. Like seriously, some really good EDM on show. The first part of the album is great and so is the last. My main concern is that I didn't realise that this album ended, which you could say is good because I was into it, but I want the last song to make an impact and make me realise that "damn, that was a great ending and I remember how the album went". Due to this, it can't get a high score, but it's a shot for those hardcore fans.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: The Capitol Studios Sessions by Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra

Image result for the capitol studios sessions album coveri motherfucking love jeff goldblum

I did not know Jeff Goldblum did Jazz. Did you? Apparently, he hosts a weekly jazz variety show in LA. In this live album, you can tell how close the audience are to Jeff as he interacts with them and pulls off jokes as the music plays. And heck, it's not even bad jazz. The talking parts aren't dreadful and even the song with Sarah Silverman (the comedian) isn't a shitshow. Despite this, it wasn't the most entertaining. Sure, you could listen to it in the background as you relaxed or studied, but I wouldn't listen to it obsessively. Ending on a high note though, Jeff Goldblum is the bee's knees.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: The Trench by Alexander Wolfe

Image result for the trench alexander wolfe album coverquite beautiful this one

The Trench is the most recent album from London singer-songwriter Alexander Wolfe. The album's context, as I was told by Quantum, is about a man in war who sacrifices his soul to the devil to save his life, but instead saves the life of a young boy. All in all, the music is quite beautiful, incorporating orchestral elements into an alt-rock vibe with some strong vocals as well. My drawback is that I did feel like the album dragged slightly, as I had to check how far I had listened in at song 3/8. Overall, it's a great album to revise to and it's definitely worth a listen.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Rocket League x Monstercat Vol. 4 by Monstercat

Image result for rocket league x monstercat vol4 album cover...I WILL PREVAIL 3/3

The final instalment of this queue of Monstercat albums, but not the last of the actual anthology, Volume 4 disappointed me in some senses. Firstly, some of the songs that featured on here weren't up to par. There were some great songs, especially by Tokyo Machine, but certain songs dropped the ball and ruined my enjoyment. Overall, it's okay and I'd probably listen to it on shuffle, but I wouldn't choose to.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Rocket League x Monstercat Vol. 3 by Monstercat


Image result for rocket league x monstercat vol 3 album coverdickheads could ruin my day but... 2/3 

The third instalment of the Rocket League and Monstercat collaboration, and boy does it start with a bang. Glide by Stephen Walking is an absolute slapper of a track and the rest follow suit. I was suitably amped up throughout this album and I strongly suggest you check out this instalment of the series. 

Devil's Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: Rocket League x Monstercat Vol. 2 by Monstercat

Image result for rocket league x monstercat vol 2 album coveryou thought you three... 1/3

The second edition of the Monstercat x Rocket League partnership was the first one in 2018, therefore, it appears right now. This anthology is pretty good and quite short, coming at 24 minutes long. The EDM is pretty good as usual from Monstercat and it was nice to listen to as I was working. Would recommend.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Wyoming (And Other Songs to Kill Yourself To) by Cottonwood Firing Squad

Image result for wyoming and other songs to album coverdoes what it says on the tin

Wyoming is an EP from Californian indie band Cottonwood Firing Squad. As I was listening to this album, there was a definite sense that this album was not going to be like stuff I usually listen to, mainly due to the title of the album. The vocals were muffled in a sense, the guitars were slightly psychedelic and twangy, and the drums weren't too bad. However, a lot of the time the album felt a bit too out there and it left me a bit put off. All in all, it's not a bad EP, but I wouldn't go back to it anytime soon.

Devil's Score: 6

ALBUM REVIEW: A Picture Perfect Hollywood Heartbreak by Zach Callison

Image result for zach callison a picture perfect hollywood heartbreakwhy did i add these subtitles again? i guess for jokes

Zach Callison is most well-known for being a voice actor, most notably as Steven Universe in the eponymous TV show on Cartoon Network. This EP is his debut into the world of music, and it was okay. With an infusion of soul and jazz, it did bring something to the table that I hadn't heard in a while, but a lot of the time it didn't sound perfectly refined. Vocals were off at times, kinda sounding like the singing you'd get from a musical, and sometimes the instruments weren't up to par. Adding on to that, WHO IN THE FUCK PUTS INTERLUDES BETWEEN ALL OF YOUR SONGS! Interludes can be done right. Unfortunately, maybe half of the interludes here were done okay and the rest were poor. I'll admit War! is a pretty good song, but all in all, it's not really great.

Devil's Score: 5

ALBUM REVIEW: White Flag by Normandie

Image result for white flag album coveroh wow

The first I had ever heard of Normandie was the lead single off their debut album "Collide". It was one of the songs on me and my girlfriend's Discover Weekly Gems playlist that we loved. Now, I didn't know what to expect from the rest of the band's work, as I had never really ventured further from it. WELL WHOOPDY DOO WAS I WRONG! White Flag is an amazing rock album with some absolute bangers and great vocals and instrumentation alike. Throughout the album, I found myself headbanging more than I should be during a coursework assignment. White Flag is an amazing album and I strongly suggest you give it a chance.

Devil's Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: What Is Love? by Clean Bandit

Image result for what is love clean bandit album coverWhat Is Love? is the second and most recent album from UK trio Clean Bandit. Starting work on the album in 2016, with the single Tears featuring former X Factor winner Louisa Johnson, it's mad to think that they have built up this album over a span of two years. The start of the album is great, bringing you their singles of the past two years "Symphony", "Baby", "Solo" and "Rockabye". Those are all amazing and even when it gets into the songs that didn't get too much mainstream attention, the standard stays strong. Despite some rocky features (looking at you Bhad Bhabie) and some average songs, What Is Love? is an amazing album that I suggest you have a look at.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Broken Machine by Nothing But Thieves

Image result for broken machine album covernow I enjoyed this more!

Broken Machine is a pretty good album, and I noticed a sizeable quality change from the 4-song EP I just reviewed to this full-fledged album. I fucking loved "I Was Just A Kid" and also "Sorry". I found myself jamming to this a lot and I really enjoyed it. Nice pick!

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: What Did You Think When You Made Me This Way? by Nothing But Thieves

Image result for what did you think when you made me this waythat title is a mouthful

WDYTWYMMTW is a very large title and I don't know how I'm gonna reference it for the rest of this review. I quite enjoyed this, as the music was really solid and some of the vocal parts impressed me (big up Conor Mason I guess). Unfortunately, it didn't really make me want to listen to more of their stuff and it felt like a nice filler. Nevertheless, I did enjoy it, so it gets a respectable score.

Devil's Score: 7

Wednesday 29 May 2019

ALBUM REVIEW: FM! by Vince Staples

Image result for FM! album covernow I feel let down haha

When I listened to Big Fish Theory, I had high hopes for when listening to this. Unfortunately, it didn't translate to me. The flow wasn't hitting it for me, and it felt like more of the album was filled with skits and interludes rather than actual rap. This has actually disappointed me slightly, as I was really looking forward to this album, but I guess not every album can be a hit.

Devil's Score: 5

ALBUM REVIEW: On Every Street by Dire Straits

Image result for one every street album coverprobably an unpopular opinion incoming

I was feeling pretty good before starting this review. This has bored me to straight facedness. It's not great when your album starts with some country vibes. The vocals aren't really gripping and the instrumentals can get repetitive over time. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this to someone with my music taste, but I could see why some people would enjoy this.

Devil's Score: 4

ALBUM REVIEW: Decade by Duran Duran

Image result for decade duran duran album coverI'll admit that Duran Duran definitely has their hits: "Girls On Film", "Hungry Like A Wolf", "Rio" and "The Wild Boys" are smashing hits. However, the rest of the album doesn't really hit the high notes as well as their other well-known hits. I enjoyed part of it, but the rest was okay for me. Nothing too bad.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: MASTERS OF THE SUN VOL. 1 by Black Eyed Peas

Image result for masters of the sun vol. 1 album coverI was quite surprised by this. I don't think I have ever listened to a full Black Eyed Peas album, but I was extremely surprised by how good this one was. The rap is great, the music is amazing and way above what I thought they could produce and I came out of it pretty happy. There are some drawbacks, in particular, some repetitive adlibs that annoyed me and some songs that weren't up to par, but the start and finish were great and you can all take a shot because I'm giving this an 8. (editor's note: a running joke in a server I was in was to take a shot for every 8 I gave as it was my most common score)

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Joanne by Lady Gaga

Image result for joanne album coverJoanne is actually really good, and something unexpected from Lady Gaga. Like, the start of this album is amazing. Songs like "Diamond Heart" and "John Wayne" blew me away and the rest is solid too. The end of the album does drop off a bit, but overall it's a pretty good album.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: The College Dropout by Kanye West

Image result for the college dropout album coverbest kanye album i've reviewed yet

I fucking jived to this. The College Dropout is a great album from the man now known as ye. The first song "We Don't Care" is a fucking jam, "Slow Jamz" is a fucking classic and the rest of the album is so good. Heck, I'm gonna say it: Kanye has done the best over 10-minute last song on a rap album (Editor's Note: I'm not sure this still stands but we'll see). "Last Call" didn't make me want to rip my hair out, I actually loved it. The College Dropout gets a great score.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Motions by Jeremy Zucker

Image result for motions jeremy zucker album coverI’d say that Motions is on a similar level to the previous album I just reviewed. It’s a very good album with some great tunes. Even though it isn’t on the 8 level, it is worth a listen.

Devil’s Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Sleeping With Roses by Chelsea Cutler

Image result for sleeping with roses album coverSleeping With Roses is quite a nice album. It’s quite poppy and there is a lovely voice behind Chelsea Cutler. This is a solid and short album that went pretty well but didn’t amaze me.

Devil’s Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Door by Slagerij Van Kampen

Image result for doors slagerij van kampen album coveri felt like this went for hours, and i didn’t even finish it

Door is an odd album. It’s mostly instrumental with synths with the occasional voice. My problem is that the songs go on for way too long to the point that it gets painfully repetitive. Seriously, the shortest song on the album is 5 minutes and 33 seconds, and that’s the last song. I didn’t finish this, as I couldn’t put myself past the 11 minute and 27-second song “A Room With Three Views”. It’s not god awful, but repetitive as fuck.

Devil’s Score: 5

ALBUM REVIEW: Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons

Image result for sigh no more album coverGOD DAMN IT MUMFORD & SONS

Sigh No More is a great album. No word of a lie, Mumford & Sons during the time this was released was unforgettable. "The Cave" and "Little Lion Man" still stand as brilliant testaments of music. I still don't know what to class it as, as it seems like folk music but I can't put my finger on it. Either way, for a debut album, Sigh No More is an absolute lesson in how to bring a unique style to the mainstream. Good on you Mumford & Sons.

Devil's Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: Parachutes by Coldplay

Image result for parachutes album coverNope nope nope, this is where Coldplay sucks. Boring songs with little to zero emotion behind it. I just got very bored of Parachutes and while listening, I wished I was listening to X & Y again.

Devil's Score: 6

ALBUM REVIEW: Lemon Boy by Cavetown

Image result for lemon boy album coverLemon Boy is a pretty relaxing and nice album. It has its highs and lows, just like many other albums, but there's a feel to Lemon Boy that makes it feel unique and the titular single is also really nice. Overall, I enjoyed listening to it while I worked and I wouldn't hesitate if someone put it on again.

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: X & Y by Coldplay

Image result for X & Y album coverAnother great Coldplay album, even if I’m completely indifferent to the band itself. Fix You is still a legendary Coldplay song and the rest of the album is pretty amazing. There are a couple of drops, but in general, it’s great.

Devil’s Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends by Coldplay

Image result for viva la vida album coverI can’t believe I’m actually doing this

Viva La Vida is brilliant. As someone who’s quite indifferent on Coldplay, Viva La Vida is outstanding in its field. I mean, “Life In Technicolor”, “Viva La Vida” and “Violet Hill” are all amazing and there are even amazing songs that I can’t remember the name of because I was so tranced in it all. All in all, Viva La Vida is a brilliant album and I strongly recommend it.

Devil’s Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: Cavetown by Cavetown

Image result for cavetown album coverbiggest fucking 180 ever

The self-titled album by Cavetown shocked me. I found Dear. not enjoyable, but this album changed shit. It was so much different and so much more enjoyable. It did have one song from Dear. that, frankly, wasn't great and did wear me down, but my god if "Devil Town" doesn't just fucking bring it back up. I mean heck, that's the last song and it got me fucking pumped. All in all, this has made me on the fence about Cavetown now. Hopefully, their music is more like this than Dear.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Dear. by Cavetown

Image result for Dear. cavetown album coverThis album kinda highlighted why I didn't want to take bulk suggestions anymore. The music from Cavetown isn't bad. It's musically sound. But I didn't really find myself enjoying this one. Maybe it's the slow pace or the lack of excitement, but Dear. was a miss for me. And this makes it tough because now I need to find the motivation to listen to another one. It's okay, but I don't want to listen to it again.

Devil's Score: 6

ALBUM REVIEW: A Girl Cried Red by Princess Nokia

Image result for a girl cried red album coverA Girl Cried Red is actually not bad. It's a good style and the music is enjoyable. The downside, in my opinion, is that a lot of the time Nokia's flow is slightly off, whether out of time with the beat or just generally peculiar. Either way, it's actually a pretty good 20 min album and I suggest you have a listen.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: The Wall by Pink Floyd

Image result for the wall album coverThis album is good. It has some good songs and is structured well in a story and moral sense. It's shaped essentially by its anti-establishment mood. "Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2" is a legendary song and it's all pretty good apart from a couple of songs and "The Trial" and "Outside The Wall"

Devil's Score: 7

ALBUM REVIEW: Tango In The Night by Fleetwood Mac

Image result for tango in the night album coverGod damn Fleetwood Mac is so fucking good

How did I not listen to Fleetwood Mac prior to doing these reviews? Tango In The Night doesn't shy away from being as good as Rumours. Hit singles like "Everywhere", "Little Lies" and "Big Love" just make this album incredible and the rest of the music are brilliant, even compared to music today. Tango In The Night is now saved to my Spotify, so I feel it deserves a great score.

Devil's Score: 9

ALBUM REVIEW: The Final Cut by Pink Floyd

Image result for the final cut album coverThe Final Cut is an emphatic album which goes for style over substance in my opinion. The sound engineering and style of music add a very unique style of music, something that isn't heard much today. I won't lie that at some points, I wasn't digging it. That is to be expected with songs that are out of pocket. In my opinion, The Final Cut is an artistic album that should be respected for paving the way for more unique rock, and for having some pretty good songs on there.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: Playdate by Spendtime Palace

Image result for playdate spendtime palace album coverThis was an enjoyable album. A good style of music which did peak at places. At 20 minutes, it's a good short listen, however it isn't something I think I'd be finding myself listening to often. Some of the songs are a bit repetitive and some songs just aren't really that great. Overall, it's good but I wouldn't put it high on my lists.

Devil's Score: 6

ALBUM REVIEW: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel

Image result for in an aeroplane over the seaWhy?

ItAOtS is a bad album. The music is off like I can't explain how but it is so off. The vocals are shoddy as well. It basically reminds me of a band the school would hire for a summer fair. It's not good to the point that I didn't even get through 3 songs. It's not 2/10 bad, but it's bad.

Devil's Score: 3

ALBUM REVIEW: 1981 Extended Play by I DON'T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME

Image result for 1981 extended play album coverOMG OMG OMG OMG I am so fucking excited

If you don't know IDKHBTFM, or IDKHOW for short, they're a duo consisting of former Panic! At The Disco bassist Dallon Weekes and former Falling In Reverse drummer Ryan Seaman. Now, I knew of Dallon before this, but somehow I hadn't figured out he had started a new band. When I did though, I was hooked. Singles like "Choke" and "Do It All The Time" (which feature on this EP) and "Modern Day Cain" were absolute slappers of tracks and I had made a point that IDKHOW are my Sound of 2019, the people who I think are gonna flourish next year. Heck, I didn't even know this got released until I... actually I don't remember but I know I saw a new track and then it said it was part of a new EP and I fucking legged it to Spotify. It's a 16 minute EP, so it's short, the Introduction is a great stylistic opening with a short 30-second talking segment, and all of the songs are what I love. I mean, "Social Climb" had brass. BRASS! I think it's clear what I'm giving 1981 EP.

Devil's Score: 10

ALBUM REVIEW: Origins by Imagine Dragons

Image result for origins imagine dragons album coverDoes Origins fit the pattern of Imagine Dragons albums?

Before this was released, I didn't know what to think of this album. Naturals was good but it's definitely not the best Imagine Dragons song. When this was released, I made sure to review it on the day. I have to be honest that I found it very entertaining. Most of the songs were really great and were classic Imagine Dragons song. Despite that, there were a couple of songs that weren't as great, but they were at least songs that I don't hate. Origins doesn't feel as good as Evolve was, but it's still better than Smoke and Mirrors.

Devil's Score: 8

ALBUM REVIEW: American Beauty/American Psycho

Image result for american beauty american psycho album coverI have been shitting on this album for too long

I was wrong about my prior thoughts about AB/AP. I have believed for a while that AB/AP might be the weakest Fall Out Boy album there is. Now, after listening to this album again, I was wrong (it's probably Take This To Your Grave). AB/AP has absolute slappers throughout. I'll say the start and end aren't great, but who needs buns when you get the motherfucking filling in the Fall Out Boy sandwich. "Centuries", "Uma Thurman", "Novocaine", "Immortals". Just banger after banger after banger. I'm downgrading this slightly due to my general disdain for "Irresistible" and the fact the "Twin Skeleton's (Hotel In NYC)" is not an ending song, but it's a definite listen.

Devil's Score: 9