Exploring Thecityisours’ Third Album: A Hot Mess of Sounds

Unintentional Meta Moments

At the onset of “Hot Mess,” the third track on Thecityisours’ latest album, listeners are greeted with an unintentionally meta cheerleader chant: ‘H-O-T M-E-S-S / He thinks he’s got it figured out, he’s a hot mess.’ This playful introduction sets the tone for a song that, much like the album itself, embodies a chaotic blend of styles.

A Tonal Jumble

The song “Hot Mess” indeed lives up to its name. The hulking riffs and barked vocals give way to a surprisingly sprightly pop chorus that feels like an awkward tonal mismatch. This inconsistency, however, is not confined to just one track but is a recurring theme throughout the record.

Aspirations vs. Execution

The London quartet clearly harbors ambitions of pushing musical boundaries and embracing an open-minded approach. Yet, the execution often falls short. The initial track, “Shame,” exemplifies this struggle with its clunky, murmured verses that clash with the explosive nature of its chorus.

Disparate Sounds and Confused Genres

Tracks like “Psycho” further illustrate this genre-blending attempt, presenting a messy fusion of metalcore and rap metal that could be likened to a misguided version of FEVER 333. The result feels more like a hodgepodge than a cohesive sound, leaving listeners to wonder about the creative direction.

Collage of Confusion

The album often feels like a collection of disparate sounds hastily glued together. For instance, the inclusion of a saxophone in the pop-metal track “Hush! Hush!” adds an element of surprise but lands awkwardly, producing a ‘WTF’ reaction rather than a moment of brilliance. Similarly, the unexpected burst of fast rapping in “In The Dark” contributes to the overall feeling of disarray.

Conclusion

Thecityisours’ third album attempts to explore a vast landscape of sound and genre, but ultimately, it struggles to find a coherent identity. While the ambition is commendable, the execution leaves much to be desired. The album highlights the risks of genre-blending, where the end result can feel more like a chaotic collage than a harmonious composition.

FAQs

What is the main theme of Thecityisours’ third album?

The main theme revolves around exploring diverse musical styles and breaking genre boundaries, although the execution often leads to a chaotic listening experience.

How does the song “Hot Mess” reflect the album’s overall sound?

“Hot Mess” encapsulates the album’s inconsistency, featuring a mix of heavy riffs and unexpected pop elements that clash rather than complement each other.

Are there any standout tracks on the album?

While tracks like “Shame” and “Psycho” showcase the band’s ambition, they also highlight the disjointed nature of the album, with few tracks standing out as cohesive or memorable.

What can listeners expect from Thecityisours in this album?

Listeners can expect an ambitious mix of genres, though the overall execution may leave them feeling confused rather than impressed.