ALBUM REVIEW: Syteriaworld – Syteria

Yorkshire-bred quartet SYTERIA are back with their third album Syteriaworld. The band, formed by Jax Chambers of GIRLSCHOOL, are known for their mix of both modern and classic forms of rock, with a focus on punk and pop-rock, resulting in songs that leave you feeling positive and ready to face the world, even when things are going completely wrong and you’re ready to stay in bed all day.

The album itself is very much focused on celebrating the good and acknowledging, yet pushing through, the bad, which is obvious from the very moment things kick off with Chasing Dreams, a rock ‘n’ roll inspired track that draws comparison to the anthemic nature of BRYAN ADAMS’ Summer Of 69. It’s feelgood, nostalgic and perfectly highlights the blend between classic and modern versions of rock; it acts as a unifying front.

In a way, each song seems to act as a mini homage to movements within the rock scene whilst still feeling welcomed in the modern era. Whether it’s the BLONDIE-coded It’s A Mess, the nod towards 90s grunge in Couldn’t Be Bothered, or Remember Me, a track that could easily have been recorded by the likes of EVANESCENCE or WITHIN TEMPTATION with its industrial style and haunting vocals, each song feels like a love letter to each movement.

Yet in that same breath we have tracks heavily inspired by modern takes of rock such as pop-punk and ska in the likes of Raise Your Glass and Rockaway Beach, both of which are tied nicely together with rock ‘n’ roll beats and hooks. A stand-out moment is Debt Generation where the band combine elements of doo-wop with the theatrical. Genuinely it sounds like it could be something performed in a musical like Heathers; it’s cheesy, yet so tongue in cheek and fun that you can’t help but have a smile plastered on your face. It would be fair to say that this is a record that will guarantee you dopamine when listening to it; it’s hard not to come out the other side without feeling happy.

SYTERIA have released a record that is liberating and fun. A throwback to earlier rock genres yet it fits perfectly in the modern day, it’s incredible in what they’ve achieved here. It’s also the perfect thing to stick on during a summer party!

Rating: 8/10

Syteriaworld is out now via Cargo Records.

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