ALBUM REVIEW: Worse – Liotta Seoul

For German alt-rock band LIOTTA SEOUL, Worse might be their second album, but it’s by far their most experimental, heavy, and emotionally vulnerable record yet. Vocalist Sven Int-Veen states that it’s all about “finding humour in the worse aspects of life,” and that’s clear when listening. While it does approach a lot of serious themes, and the sound itself is very dark, Worse isn’t entirely depressing, and this is because of the light-hearted spin on the lyrics. This album is also very much driven by its art, with Int-Veen designing the album’s cover, and there will also be a music video released for every song, meaning it’s possible the visual aspect is just as important as its sound.

With only eight songs, LIOTTA SEOUL have managed to demonstrate their progression in Worse extremely well, but ironically, it’s opener Won’t You Love Me that sounds the most generic. While it’s still a really good song, its pop-punk sound and simplistic lyrics carefully ease listeners into the intensity of the album, making it a good introduction.

The full potential of LIOTTA SEOUL isn’t clear until Hypernormal, which feels a lot more aggressive and emotional. Its lyrics are sad but powerful, while also extremely blunt and honest. The backing vocals introduce a whole new layer, sounding almost robotic, and the drawn-out guitars make the track sound almost haunting. There is so much depth to this song, while still coherent. Want You is a very grungy, moody sounding song with a strong chorus. The blending of genres really comes into play here, mixing sounds from grunge and post-hardcore, and while it sounds chaotic, it definitely works.

LIOTTA SEOUL are perfectly tuned into that dark, alt-rock that’s really popular right now, but they make it sound unique, and this is clear in Laugh featuring MIGHTYMACFLUFF. The vocals are key in this, with the dramatic changes in tempo making the chorus hit even harder, and Int-Veen has that gritty sounding voice that is perfect for this song. The feature is German rap, and while it’s completely unexpected, it somehow works.

Changing the pace entirely with acoustic guitar is Star, and while it does show the range of what the band can do, you find yourself missing the chaotic rock. Where LIOTTA SEOUL really stand out is in their lyrics, and Disgusting is a perfect example of this. The imagery is so powerful, forcing listeners to visualise what the band are describing. Closing the album is Beauty Salons, a change in pace allowing listeners to come down from the intensity of the album. It’s emotional and gentle, rounding off Worse perfectly.

With so much new music, especially in such an over-saturated genre, it’s so difficult to release an unforgettable album, but LIOTTA SEOUL have achieved it. Where it is sometimes an uncomfortable listen, Worse captures every element of mental illness while still finding humour and positivity, which is extremely difficult to do. LIOTTA SEOUL have clearly found their sound on this album, and it’s more than worth a listen.

Rating: 9/10

Worse is out now via KROD Records.

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