ALBUM REVIEW: We’re All Gonna F***ing Die – Sick Joy
SICK JOY’s debut record We’re All Gonna F***ing Die has the daunting task of addressing impending mortality in a way that actually feels positive. While the initial outlook seems bleak, the grungy alt-rockers manage to infuse forthright song-writing with catchy, grit filled tunes.
It’s easy to find close contrasts for SICK JOY if you’re skim-listening to this record. Songs like i’ve got more than i need (and i don’t have much) and alive on the inside lean into the grunge and alternative feel of THE PIXIES, SOUNDGARDEN and ALICE IN CHAINS, while holding against contemporaries like ROYAL BLOOD. All of these comparisons are easy to make, but SICK JOY do a good job of keeping their music sounding their own. A likely source of that original feel is the genuine and honest stories alluded to within the lyrics of each song.
Good song-writing can often be overlooked as to what really keeps you coming back to a band or a song, not just the hook or the feel of the tune itself. What Mylk Barton achieves in this record is a great self-reflection that can be looked into by every listener on a personal level; there’s enough ambiguity to connect to your own life story and situations, while at the same time appreciating the core idea that Barton is writing about in his own life. stay numb is a particularly well-penned bop, one that draws you in with its instant bounce but cleverly addresses looking for self-destructive ways to avoid dealing with things. Equally, talking to the drugs is blatant in what it’s saying about a constant distance in relationships and the frustration of that.
That said, there are some bangers that everyone can enjoy on this record. belly aching beast, which features JAMIE LENMAN, is a coarse, punk swaggerer that lands somewhere between THE PRODIGY and NIRVANA, while rich hippies is both an aggressive commentary and tongue-in-cheek nod at the class divide and the exclusive freedom afforded to the wealthy. The guitar riffs are chunky, with a sense of industrial grime beneath gravelly vocal deliveries that ease you so smoothly into this record. the blood & the bliss has some homage to Closer by NINE INCH NAILS, a big influence on Barton, but the track doesn’t feel derivative, just tastefully paying respect to an inspiration.
The album is bookended by equally impactful alt-rock anthems. nothing better has an unhurried ease, a beat that takes its time and languishes in making you wait in the quiet moments before the grungy glory of the final minute. ultimately in both name and tone feels the perfect finale to this record. Its soft, echoing feel makes for a bittersweet lulling track that has just as much impact in its rumbling smallness as the big opener don’t feel like dying. For a generation that missed the first wave of grunge and emo bands, We’re All Gonna F***ing Die manages to channel that bittersweet perspective that life isn’t forever, that things can be shit and hard, but it’s the good that we choose that makes life worth it. We’re not here forever, and the short sharp spark is beautiful when we harness the best of it.
A brilliant slice of alt rock that holds well balanced commentary on drug abuse, class hypocrisy and personal growth with big, anthemic riffs We’re All Gonna F***ing Die is the perfect bridge between frank realism and morbid optimism. Those aren’t your typical grunge flavours, but that’s what makes SICK JOY well worth investing your time into.
Rating: 8/10
We’re All Gonna F***ing Die is out now via SO Recordings.
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