REVIEWS
written by: meg
Following a duo of EPs (2019’s “Easier Said Than Done” and 2020’s “Neon Minds”), as well as a handful of singles, Those Without have released their debut LP, titled “Bittersweet.”
The album starts with “Happy Ever Disaster,” which brings a gripping vocal performance right off the bat. The vocals are delivered in a slightly more aggressive style reminiscent of modern pop-punk bands like Trash Boat, Between You & Me, and Youth Fountain. “Pink Alligator” contains cleaner guitars and softer vocals in the verses, but the drums accompany an emotive vocal performance in the pre-chorus as the song leads up to a very catchy chorus with well-written lyrics such as “I never look for ways to fix myself / There’s comfort in belonging to someone else” and “I’m caught inside this frail state of mind ‘cause loneliness is glorified.” “Voodoo Doll” is a bit similar, led by acoustic guitars before the louder instrumentals really kick in. The bass becomes more prominent in the verses, and the drums do the same as they drive a swift, punk-influenced beat. This song is one of the catchiest on the entire record, and the bridge offers a fantastic vocal performance.
“Weightless” starts off similarly to fellow single “Pink Alligator,” with a more laid-back tone at first before another anthemic chorus, and the vocal performance in that section shows off the singer’s impressive range. “Good Thyme” is a classic pop-punk song with energetic instrumentation and extremely catchy melodies, but the heavier vocals in the bridge being a nice surprise to the track and mix in some different influences before the seamless transition into a melodic final chorus. “Oblivion” begins with minimal instruments and delicate vocals at first, but the palm-muted guitars build up to one of the most unforgettable choruses found on the entire record. “Cleopatra” is a simpler song musically, led just by vocals and acoustic guitar before the drums join in, but it’s still an enjoyable track nonetheless. “Under The Weather” is a major standout on the album with a darker tone that contrasts from that of a lot of the previous songs. The song gradually gets louder as it continues, and the drums and vocals consistently stand out as the song leads up to another powerful chorus with some strong hooks. The drums, bass, and guitar team up to make the tempo a lot faster during the second verse, where the vocal performance becomes a bit more aggressive and ventures into post-hardcore territory. “A Name For Myself” slows things down a little bit, and the vocals are really prominent on this track, accompanied by simple instrumentals that bring some catchy composition to the table. “Webspinner” closes the record out, and immediately brings captivating vocals from the beginning. This is easily one of my favorites off the record and it makes a great choice for a concluding track. “Bittersweet” contains gripping performances and unforgettable melodies and instrumentals from start to finish, and overall, it’s a magnificent debut from Those Without. "BITTERSWEET" IS AVAILABLE NOW. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM HERE:
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