The Birthday Massacre have been around for some time now, putting out music for nearly 20 years. They’ve done well, and amassed a huge following in the process. I was curious to see how this new album had evolved their sound.
This is essentially a very dramatic pop album. It’s an incredibly well crafted and produced album, the sound is massive, but it is still pop music. The slightly heavier instrumentation and synth choices give the illusion that there is a more subversive idea here. But there isn’t. It’s not goth, new wave, industrial or post punk. It’s straight up pop. Which is definitely fine.
The only reason I bring it up is the ki
nd of person who might enjoy She Past Away would expect something very different from what this album promises. The imagery and branding of this band have always implied there could be something a little darker and edgier on offer, yet this is another time when they haven’t delivered on that. Sadly, it’s predictable. Complete with lyrical concepts lifted straight out of a 15 year old’s diary after watching the Twilight trilogy. And is a different idea for an album cover so far out of the question? Yes we get it, you like Tim Burton.
Ok, I started strong on this one. It’s not that I think this band or indeed this album are bad, not at all. They have their place and their fanbase and yes I know music is all subjective blah blah etc. I think what bothers me about this is they’re one of those bands that clearly have a lot of talent and song writing ability, and I just don’t think they’ve ever pulled off what they have the potential to do. Maybe the Skinny Puppy power ballad is what they’re after, who knows. They have their legions of fans and they know what they like. I just hope they’re not creating music to satisfy their fans.
Every artist’s journey is their own, and I’m in no position to say otherwise. All I will say is this, they have yet to achieve what I think they could.
