DeathbyRomy : "Hollywood Forever"

 

Pop music marketed to the "vvitches" of Tiktok, who are the new generation of Hot Topic kids. Her image contrasts with the otherwise upbeat grooves that open the new album. Her voice is what you expect from a pop singer in 2025. "La La Land" finds a marginally more aggressive beat under her lamenting of Los Angeles. As someone who moved from the city, it's hard for me to sympathize with this plight. It is a dog-eat-dog world, so she has that part right. Guitars do appear here, but they are produced in such a way it takes all the rock out of them. Ironically, she goes from this into "Yung and Rich" so she can't decide what her problems are. 

What works on this record is how it is left of the center of mainstream pop, a touch of Die Antwoord influence, and at times, there  is a somewhat abrasive edge that tries to be more aggressive. "XXXhibitionost" finds her flexing sex in your face to create a pretty effective mood, as this is one of the best grooves so far, so she does better when horny. "City of Angels" shows how her identity is entwined in the chaos of her landscape.  The chorus has more of a rock feel to it. By the time it gets to "California Baby," the subject matter feels more like a gimmick. I think this is still a little more legit and tolerable than Billie Eilish. 

"Corpse Kiss" is marginally darker; it carries more of an '80s slink as the vocals are given more room on the verses. It blows up on the chorus like you expect most dance songs to, and it rides the line of hyperpop and future pop.  The bass line to "Little Dreamer" takes on a more organic growl. Then it dances into the sunset. "Bitchfamous" is another dramatic romanticization of her lifestyle. The hook going into the chorus works well. There is a hint of Lady Gaga to the melody's formula. "Kill or Be Killed" is more in your face with manic energy. There are hints of metal core in the mix. 

"Pray to Me" is driven by an effective groove and masturbatory mood to the vocal performance, but it goes off when it reaches the hook.  "If I Die Young" closes the album. It is a bit more of a ballad. The beat is more subtle. The chorus is not as hooky as the previous song. I will round this down to a 9.5, and see how it grows on me. Some of the more contrived thematic elements play into my feelings about the album, but the stronger songs win me over. 

Thanks for reading, give a listen to the song below and  please "like" and share on social media to give music a voice 

https://www.facebook.com/abysmalhymns

Check out our Podcast here ... https://www.youtube.com/@abysmalhymns666

pst430