ALBUM REVIEW: RUCKUS! – Movements

Southern Californian alt-rock band MOVEMENTS have been consistently reinventing themselves since their formation in 2015, and it’s an almost certainty that their third full-length album RUCKUS! will be another complete change. Since they started out, their success has been ever-growing, which brings a motivation to always push themselves: the main focus of this release.

Known for their extremely emotionally impactful songs, and their tendency to approach topics surrounding mental health with a candid, honest outlook, it is likely that this record will do the same, although it is leaning towards a more positive, upbeat tone this time around. While trying to retain everything that makes them unique and attempting a newer, more modern sound, it will definitely be interesting to see what they come up with.

Opening with You’re One Of Us Now, there is a distinctive feeling that this album is something different. Beginning with the sounds from a chaotic crowd, with a rousing, dramatic feeling, it’s immediately interesting. With a blend of heavy and melodic guitars and almost screams in the vocals, it’s a good introduction with only a slight feeling that they are holding something back.

Next is Killing Time, and with intensive drums and a cool bassline, the song has a sad, gritty energy, and the tense, almost whispering vocals add to that. Lead Pipe is easily a favourite, and its addictive verses and catchy chorus suggest that it would translate really well live. With a dark but kind of groovy sound, a level of fun is introduced to the album, and it builds really well.

As the album progresses, and in contrast to its name, there’s definitely a level of peace that hasn’t always been present in MOVEMENTS‘ music. Heaven Sent is an example of this, where the lyrics tell a pure love story, with full sincerity. Further proving how they’ve changed is Tightrope, introducing some piano and some high notes in the vocals. bringing in a more modern sound, it’s possible this track isn’t for everyone, but it definitely demonstrates their range.

Their creativity peaks at this point in the album, with tracks like I Hope You Choke and Dance With Death bringing in some really unique elements and lots of emotion in the lyrics, especially in the pure malice that comes through in I Hope You Choke. Closing the album is Coeur D’Alene, which has a more melodramatic sound and some really tentative, heartfelt lyrics. While it may have seemed as if this album was less emotional, this last song completely disproves that, with beautiful story-telling and the feeling that they are pouring their hearts out.

While it’s easy to miss the emotionally heavy, gut-wrenching feeling of their previous albums, it really feels as if the band have fallen in love and found some peace, which is all somebody could want for the band. Above all, they seem to be having fun and really pushing themselves, and for that, RUCKUS! is the natural progression for MOVEMENTS.

Rating: 8/10

RUCKUS! is set for release on August 18th via Fearless Records. 

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