Review Summary: You're really not sorry, Radke? Then the evil really did win. Your dog Charlie could do better than this.
On
The Drug In Me Is You, it honestly just seemed like Ronnie Radke was trying to heal his ego after being disgraced and kicked out by Escape The Fate. No, it wasn’t the worst in post-hardcore (pretty much every Palisades release except for
I’m Not Dying Today), but it wasn’t as amazing as it was hyped to be. Of course, it was received fairly well, filed under the “trendy hardcore” section, and eaten up. So, when
Fashionably Late came out, FIR’s devoted fans (surprising, isn’t it), flocked to the record, even though it had amazing potential… to be a sophomore slump. Was it? Don’t even ask.
Ronnie’s ego is rivaled only by his need for attention. He runs the show, would probably die if he couldn’t, and wants you to know it. Whether it’s his annoying side comments, unnecessary rap parts, or primary shirking of the other bands members, he’s the typical egotistical front-man. Lead guitarist Jacky Vincent seems to be Radke’s right-hand man, as he does get to throw in a few decent solos and leads throughout, but even that’s pushing it. Former drummer Nick was replaced by Ryan Seaman, who lacks the flare Rich carried, and literally just does what’s expected (listen to his part in the chorus of “Bad Girls Club”, it’s really boring). As for the bass and rhythm guitar, both sound as they did on TDIMIY, complete with barely audible playing and repetitive chugging. For some strange reason, the band decided to bring in dubstep this time around, which contributes much more to a drop of quality than progression (“Rolling Stone”). At the times the dubstep seems to fit, it’s so contrived and boring, points for innovation cannot be granted.
If there’s one thing the boys (not men, they are boys) are good at, it is having fun.
Fashionably Late does display the band’s penchant for hedonistic, nostalgic pop-metal throwbacks that hint more at Motley Crue than contemporaries like Sleeping With Sirens and A Day To Remember. “Fashionably Late” is an enjoyable number with strangely clever, fun wordplay, and Ronnie’s performance fits this track well. Vincent’s bastard riff will stick to your brain and constantly remind you of the strong moments of the record. Though the cheerleading sample sounds ripped off from “mOBSCENE” by Marilyn Manson (totally different lyrical content, but strangely similar melody), “Bad Girls Club” is an enjoyable pop-punk number that shows that Reverse is stronger on the more melodic side. This is another track that will get stuck in your head, and has quickly become a guilty pleasure for this reviewer. “Self-Destruct Personality” has the boys performing their best Avenged Sevenfold impression, complete with metal-toned lead and semi-decent growled vocals, but it’s one of FIR’s better heavier songs. “Drifter” is a nice, acoustic-led, western-toned respite from the sugary mediocrity the rest of the record carries.
Speaking of sugary, the production is way too clear. Whereas a band like Periphery uses production to their advantage (Periphery II, especially), FIR shoves it down our throat the entire album. Everything sounds too bubblegum for a “post-hardcore” record, making even the heavier moments all too melodic. In addition, Radke must have some sort of bipolar disorder. Losing a father must be terrible, but he can’t play the victim card when he’s calling himself “king” and acting happy-go-lucky all record. This drains his credibility even more, something that he couldn’t use. The contentment of the rest of the group (other than the aforementioned guitarist) to simply sit in the background just makes it worse, as it gives Radke more time to be the prick he is.
But just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, it does. The lyrics drag the album from tolerable to worthy for the trash compactor. Seriously. Ronnie has three mindsets lyrically. They are: “twelve year old who hit puberty that thinks he’s God;” “womanizer who in actuality probably doesn’t have that much sex and is frustrated about it"; “bipolar, arrogant prick who’s bragging one minute, and mourning the next.” That’s about it, check out songs like “Bad Girls Club”, “Alone”, “Rolling Stone”, and “Game Over”. Seriously, “my life is like a video game?!” WHAT THE HELL?!!
This could’ve been good. There were multiple flaws on the band’s previous effort, but they could’ve been improved on. Instead, the group just went to hell. Other than small improvements, this would’ve been better never than late.
