This band has gained a bit of a buzz as they ride a 90s-inspired sound that, at one point, leaned into darkwave and post-punk. However, this time around, they have gained more of an edge, feeling closer to the nu-metal revival. Munky from Korn showing up on the album only gives more evidence in this regard. The album does grow on you. Songs that I had some doubts about the first time I listened to this album do a better job of convincing me that their formula works on the second pass through this album. The album was co-produced by Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle. His contributions draw a fair comparison of where this album is heading sonically.
The first three songs circle similar shades of the same mood, with "Silhouettes" being a little more upbeat; things then take a turn towards a more New Order-like pop on "Hurt You". Then move into an even more streamlined turn to the alternative radio sound of the 90s with the Elastica vibe of "The Animator". They get darker for "Casualty" but a couple of songs with darker undertones and creepy moments is not enough to call them a goth band. In fact, it has more in common with Korn when it builds up.
"Harder to Pretend" is a little more depressive, but a little less focused than the album's strongest moments. This could also describe "I Never Left," which feels like a mash-up of Garbage and Depeche Mode. When things are stripped of the effect and given a more organic feel heading into "One Short," you can hear the grunge undercoating. The pieces fall together better on this one. The album ends with a more trip-hop urgency. Overall, what they are doing here works well and should catapult them to a more prominent place on larger stages I will give this album a 9.5, and see how it grows on me.
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