Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


We Are The City, RIP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

We Are The City
RIP



Genre(s): Pop / Alternative
Album length: 12 tracks: 49 minutes, 8 seconds
Street Date: January 24, 2020


READER RATING:   


One of the eternal critiques against pop and pop/rock is how blasé it can be. There's not much left under the sun for genres built on four-chord progressions and diatonic melodies. That can't be said for Canadian group We Are The City. Though they've largely been under the radar (likely due to their experimental elements), RIP is already their fourth full-length release with Tooth & Nail Records. This album is a perfectly suitable summation of the group's sound: an energetic balance of synth and guitar that usually rests underneath the eccentric vocals and musings of Cayne McKenzie. What this record does better than their previous efforts is in the lid-tight songwriting and flawlessly complementary production. In a time where most pop records are overblown and grating, RIP should be praised for that alone. Ironically, for a pop record, the biggest flaw here is how forgettable the tracklist can be.

Perhaps this is because much of the record resides in casual vocal distortion and electronic palettes. It could also be that many of the melodies are unengaging. There are spots plentiful where melody is abandoned for something closer to spoken word or whispers. Though these monologues work well thematically (see the discordant longing for "tomorrow" on "You're So Clean"), they can be hard to remember. Still, one of the record's biggest surprises is how lyrically thoughtful and poignant it can be in its straightforwardness. After the aforementioned monologue, the disorientingly long "You Can't Blame Me, But You Can Blame Yourself" provides transition for the contemplation of the inevitable pain that comes with growing up a sinful being on "God & Man." This track's most provocative lyric - "If Jesus was really God and man/But never sinned/Was He ever really man?" - is less a questioning of doctrine and more so a capitulation of the loneliness we bring upon ourselves. Challenging concepts like this elevate the record above typical pop fare.

RIP is often fun, often forgettable, but above all: different. McKenzie's acrobatic, exaggerated vocal style might not be for everyone. Experimental rhythmic choices like the entirety of "Obviously" might not be for everyone. The dance tunes might also not be for everyone, and the same can be said for the contemplative stuff. Regardless, the fact that it's different is enough to warrant a listen or two.

- Review date: 1/23/20, written by Mason Haynie of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

 

JFH Staff's Second Opinion



We Are The City’s newest album, RIP, is a classic example of a beautiful letdown. Though much of the album is finely crafted experimental pop/rock, it shines brightest on the three advance singles, “Killer B-side Music,” “Song In My Head” and “RIP.” After setting the expectations high with these three songs, it largely disappoints with the rest of the track list. “Killer B-Side Music” sets the table with an explosive chorus, while “Song In My Head” is the runaway ear-worm of the album, begging to be placed on a teen-centered TV show soundtrack. Knowing that the backstory of "RIP" is about the loss of a friend makes it even more layered in its message, as the music and lyrics work together perfectly to communicate heartache. After the first few tracks, though, the album falls off, spending too much time experimenting in ways that don’t fully work, though it’s an admirable effort. Listening past some of the experimental elements leaves this listener wanting for more melody, more story or something new from the lyrics. The biggest example of this is the weaker latter half of the album: "God & Man," "Saint Peter," and "Me + Me." While these three songs have the most interesting things going on lyrically, the musical palate is at best meandering, and at worst distracting in its outside-the-box approach. That said, the other song not previously released that landed for this listener is the bratty hand-clap sentiment of "You're So Clean." The song fades out, and then back in with the bridge communicating the longingly universal sentiment, "Tomorrow, tomorrow gets me through today/Maybe everything will be okay tomorrow/I'll start my life again/In the clean possibility of tomorrow." Though RIP isn't a homerun, We Are The City wallops a stand-up double, commendable for three standout tracks and they flash enough potential to warrant future swings. - Review date: 1/27/20, Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com

 

. Record Label: Tooth & Nail Records
. Album length: 12 tracks: 49 minutes, 8 seconds
. Street Date: January 24, 2020
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon.com (CD)
. Buy It: AmazonMP3

  1. Killer B-Side Music (4:05)
  2. Song in My Head (2:57)
  3. Night Guest (3:07)
  4. Obviously (4:27)
  5. You're so Clean (4:48)
  6. You Can't Blame Me, But You Can Blame Yourself (4:36)
  7. God & Man (4:08)
  8. Saint Peter (5:37)
  9. Me + Me (3:43)
  10. Children's Hospital Ambience (2:04)
  11. I'm Not Yours Anymore (4:04)
  12. RIP (5:32)

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

Search JFH




This Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]

Next Friday, November 15, 2024
ALBUMS
Dolly Parton & Family Smoky Mountain DNA – Family, Faith & Fables [Owepar Entertainment]
The Lore Family Faith Over Fear [Horizon]
Fernando Ortega For All the Saints - EP (independent)
Earnest Pugh Worth is the Lamb
We Are Messengers Rejoice! (A Celtic Christmas) - EP [Curb]
Paul Wright III Reverie [United Alliance]

SINGLES
Big Dismal Here In My Heart - Single (independent)
Hannah Kerr It Came Upon A Midnight Clear - Single [Curb]
Olivia Lane Silent Night - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton Wake Up It's Christmas - Single [BEC]
Jamie MacDonald A Million Chances - Single [Capitol CMG]
Ronnie Martin On Christmas Morning - Single [Velvet Blue]
Hunter Plake Daylight - Single [BEC]
Jordan St. Cyr Christ is Here - Single [BEC]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Divine Discontent Vinyl [Word]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images