ALBUM REVIEW: ERRØR BØY – LiL Lotus

An ode to the pop-punk world. Former emo rapper, LIL LOTUS, has released his debut album, ERRØR BØY, under Epitaph Records. The 12 tracks, which feature one notorious artist of the scene-Travis Barker, we’re looking at you-showcase a happy go lucky dynamic that is reminiscent of the early 2000’s. The record, which comprises several enjoyable tunes, demonstrates Villagran’s impressive vocal ability, one that appears made for the newer pop-punk scene of today. 

Combining smooth vocals, acoustic guitars and explosive drum sets, the overall collection is impressive. Opening track, Think of Me Tonight, is an obvious fan favourite, living out a typical, cheesy number which many listeners would sound back to the formative years of the genre. The apparent similarity to iconic bands such as SUM-41 and BLINK-182 feels natural for LIL LOTUS, with both his visuals for the video and sound for the piece appearing to back the resurgence of the scene. 

Although it should be noted the lyrics appear to be resting a little more on the emotive side, this ability to completely change the feel of the song, is something Lotus is clearly at ease with. His capability at capturing the pop-punk scene, as well as bringing in newer more electric moments, is one to be praised. 

Girl Next Door featuring Lil Aaron, is a strong example of this. The piece which starts with a classic guitar moment is quickly interrupted by the more genre-fluid moments of emo-rap sounds. It is stereotypically not traditional pop-punk but it works, a trick which will surely draw in the younger generations of alternatives today. Or in particular, those that enjoy the likes of MACHINE GUN KELLY and LIL PEEP. 

While he takes his trip down memory lane quite successfully, it should be noted that some songs do just fail to take off. In a world, where the scene is growing exponentially, a sort of slickness is expected to be delivered within each track, Fake Love is one that fails to do this. The lack of instrumentals ensures its downfall, maintaining an adolescent sound that makes the tune one of the more forgettable. 

This is not to say ERRØR BØY should be ignored, the overall experience is pleasant. Attracting both younger and older listeners alike, if LIL LOTUS carries on in the same vein as Think of Me Tonight, with the ever-growing renewed interest in pop-punk, his success is assured. 

Rating: 6/10

ERRØR BØY is out now via Epitaph Records. 

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