Album Rating: 4.0

I wouldn't argue that it's an excellent album on its own. It very much sounds like they're just throwing everything that they can possibly throw against the wall to see what sticks, and I'm not sure if they could write a coherent/concise song that genuinely showcases their sound and talent to save their lives. It's an absolute mess. Arguably everything they've ever done could be described as such, I suppose. Idk, I just enjoy it for what it is. Same goes for Colors II. Most of it is nostalgia for this band, but I somehow still enjoy diving into these albums and getting immersed in the chaos, clutter, and campiness, and I still get excited whenever they put something new out. They still have a spark and passion they carry with them, and they still sound like they're having a blast doing it.

Album Rating: 3.0

I feel like this is BTBAM hitting that proverbial brick wall with what they can get away with (Mainly on that front half). Even as someone who appreciates the circus antics they can get up too, here it feels like a bit much.

I feel like Parallax II was their last cohesive record. I'd also make an argument for Coma Ecliptic, but I'm not ready to die on that hill in here - lol

In regards to the circus antics, I feel like they're leaning into it in a way that actually feels pretty cohesive. It feels more like an actual theme and less like a novelty, which, you know, your mileage may vary.

I remember back when this iste was part of musician forums or something, i posted in the drum section there. There was a guy called BTBAM and when he turned like 17 he started smoking heaps of weed, changed his forum name to "Stoner" and wanted to drop out of school and buy a Catfish Camaro. I wonder what they guy is up to now.

Anywho this band will always remind me of that guy.

Album Rating: 0.5

LMAO

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

"[...] I somehow still enjoy diving into these albums and getting immersed in the chaos, clutter, and campiness, and I still get excited whenever they put something new out. They still have a spark and passion they carry with them, and they still sound like they're having a blast doing it."



Well put, and exactly my thoughts on the matter as well. BTBAM has always been a band doing what they love in their own way, and you really can feel that passion with every record. I think that's what keeps me coming back even if this album has more questionable choices than other ones I've enjoyed. I couldn't in good faith give this thing any rating lower than 3.5.

Album Rating: 4.0

i've never been the biggest fan of this band, but they floored me live the other day. these new songs were really fun for the most part

Album Rating: 4.5

"In regards to the circus antics, I feel like they're leaning into it in a way that actually feels pretty cohesive. It feels more like an actual theme and less like a novelty, which, you know, your mileage may vary."



completely agree. and in contrast, i feel like the heavy moments (specifically god terror + the beginning of psychomanteum) are as pissed off as they've sounded in a really long time

Album Rating: 4.5

also i've kinda grown to appreciate how scattershot the pacing and sequencing is on here. makes it feel unique and fresh in a discog full of albums that are so consciously thought out from a structural standpoint.



a lot of their fanbase absolutely lives for the concept albums but i hope they stay in this mode for at least another album or two. think it's really cool we don't get a bread and butter btbam track until like 15min into the album.

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

@Anthracks What songs did they play for their set? I thought about making a road trip in October to go see them but I don't think it's gonna work out. The last time I saw them live years ago, they blew my mind.

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

Also, thank you to the mods for the feature! I appreciate it immensely!

Great review! I haven't listened to this band seriously since the first Colors came out and everything I've heard of them since makes me cringe a little, but I'll give them another try.

edit after listening to half of the first track: so this is like non-creepy Mr. Bungle?

Album Rating: 4.5

I think a lot of people forgot how weird Colors was. This is a return to the express silliness and fun they put into that and Great Misdirect and I’m all for it. TBH the Automatas and the space-prog stuff was boring.

Album Rating: 3.5

Absent Thereafter is so good damn

Album Rating: 3.5

This is the most I've enjoyed a BTBAM record since Parallax 1. Legit sick stuff here

Hawks, dude you're a staff reviewer. Grow up.

Album Rating: 0.5

LMAO you are really upset that I don't like this band huh? Opinions are allowed buddy, sorry.

Album Rating: 1.5

the blue SHIT

Album Rating: 0.5

Hard lol.

Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off

Lol--check out this guy thinking he can derail decades of Hawks hatred against BTBAM



Lmao even