Review Summary: Driven by anger with Chiodos and a new perspective on life, Craig Owens leads four other super star musicians through a glossy, well-crafted, post hardcore album.
What fan of Chiodos didn't follow the spectacularly controversial dismissal of front man Craig Owens? Plenty of rumors circulated as to why and the future of Chiodos and Craig Owens looked uncertain. If you followed the stories, Chiodos was hard at work, finding a new vocalist, writing new material, and touring. Craig, on the other hand, disappeared completely. Not only did I think that this was the death of Chiodos, I really was going to miss watching Craig's over-enthusiastic performances, and his unique, underrated voice (Yes, I'm one of THOSE people). Finally, in October of 2010, I was extremely pleased with two things: I listened to an unexpectedly great release from Chiodos, and I stumbled across a YouTube video entitled "This is DRUGS" - A music video featuring Craig Owens supernaturally killing people, looking cracked out, and screaming at a trashy looking naked woman.
From start to finish the album doesn’t really let up in its somewhat melodramatic angst. This isn’t a bad thing because it leads the album to be more focused in its pursuits whereas Chiodos songs written by Owens were more abstract and lacked clear diction. The writing still isn’t great but at least it seems as though he finally has somewhere to put his previously misguided anger/depression. There is also a great degree of controversy when it comes to the content of the writing. A lot more cursing and suggestive content make this a good listen for rebellious teenagers looking for their escape from average life. As far as the rest of us, there isn’t much there.
The musicianship on the album isn’t super spectacular however; it is still a step above many other bands in the genre. The bands members execute their individual roles expertly, creating something that is both engaging and memorable. The biggest thing that stands out is the drumming of Aaron Stern (of Matchbook Romance). It gives the music a bigger feel to it, like the band is accomplishing something great (although, for all intents and purposes, they aren’t). And while it may not be a technical masterpiece, the music transitions smoothly and flows together very well. It creates an infectious setting that hooks you right from the first listen. However, it is a little bit sad that it isn’t better. The musicians in the band are very talented people who are no stranger to all the demands of being a touring musician. So, after listening to this album, one has to wonder why it isn’t mind-blowing…because there is no good reason that it shouldn’t be.
The biggest problem with the album is how much it didn’t live up to its hype. D.R.U.G.S spared no expense in making sure that fans would think this album was going to blow them away. From the controversial “sex tape” that Owens posted to the release of a YouTube video a day revealing a different song of the album counting down its release, I did expect something more…well, good… The way it was talked up by the band and its fans I somewhat expected a masterpiece of an album. But it is still Craig Owens. The album is pointed without taking itself too seriously and the emotions hoisted behind it are more melodramatic than dramatic. Another problem is that no two songs transition in to each other well. It's as if they created an album full of songs meant to be released as singles and didn't take the time to create a cohesive "album" effort. There are many points in the writing that feel gimmicky, like that lyric was written specifically to be controversial or attention-grabbing. Sort of like that girl in high school that was gossiping and being slutty to get attention. It seems a though Craig was willing to sacrifice making a significant album for making an album that everyone "buzzed"about, whether they love or hate it. Owens, as well as every other member of the band, are great performers and know how to market themselves well, but it would be nice to see a little bit more focus on making great music.
Overall, I see D.R.U.G.S. as a young band that needs to grow up but they make decent, passable music in the process. I hope on future releases that they realize that it isn’t all about making little scene kids happy with over-dramatized publicity stunts and create something that is musically mature. But let’s be honest, with Craig Owens, that probably won’t happen.
