Review Summary: One day we'll stand knee-deep in the ocean / Heads like the Earth and hearts like fire.
Prior to this album's release, I would've told you that The Classic Crime peaked a long time ago. While their recent releases have been enjoyable to a degree, they lacked the staying power of albums like Phoenix, The Silver Cord, and Albatross. However, not only is Grim Age a major step in the right direction, but it's also the best music they've released in over a decade.
Lead vocalist Matt MacDonald gives possibly the best performance of his career so far. His powerful voice carries the choruses of tracks like 'End of Everything' and 'Into the Earth,' as well as the thunderous ending of the album's closing track. Not only can the man sing, but he's also a terrific songwritter. 'Right Now' is a song clearly inspired by the stress and uncertainty brought on by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, but still manages to have an uplifting message. 'Stay In Love' has a uniquely youthful feel to it, as MacDonald sings the praises of the woman he loves. If you're a lyric enjoyer, you'll surely enjoy disecting most of the tracks on Grim Age.
There are a few points on the album where The Classic Crime teases a darker, heavier sound. 'Rageboi' may only be a minute long, but its punky instrumentals and earworm chorus make it a perfect way to start the album. 'Into the Earth' is also a noteable stand out. Its grunge-influenced chorus is unlike anything the band's ever done, and it has an instrumental crescendo akin to Jimmy Eat World's 'Pass the Baby.' Instrumentally speaking, it's easily the heaviest track from the album.
It's too bad that Grim Age is held back by an overabundance of filler. 'Alone In the City' eventually gets interesting, but its chorus is notably lazy and the first two thirds of the song are a bore because of it. 'Lost Magic' has the same issue - it feels like the song is building to a big conclusion, and right as it gets memorable, the song ends. The flow of the album is a bit strange too; their choice to put 'The Old Ways' (a decent, but unmemorable interlude) and 'Stay In Love' (a mid-tempo, somewhat average track) right next to each other leads to the album's flow of energy stalling at the midway point.
It's wonderful to hear The Classic Crime sound so revitalized this late into their career. For lyric enjoyers, MacDonald's songwriting ability is the best it's ever been, and some of the best you'll find in modern rock. For instrument enjoyers, there are lots of pleasant surprises and thrilling climaxes you'll surely enjoy. All in all, there's something for everybody to enjoy in Grim Age. This truly is a top-notch alternative rock album.
HITS: Rageboi, Right Now, End of Everything, Into The Earth, New Noise
MISSES: Alone In The City, Lost Magic
FINAL SCORE: 4 out of 5
