Beartooth – Disgusting
Review by Theresa Pham
After releasing their EP Sick last summer, Beartooth is on the path to take over the world and their full length Disgusting is proof that maybe they should. Disgusting is sheer brilliance. Former Attack Attack! Lead singer Caleb Shomo has outdone himself. His hard work has definitely paid off. Disgusting is by far his career’s finest and he’s only 22. Geez Louise.
“Disgusting” is breathless, balanced, unpredictable, and personal. The lyrics are like Shomo’s tearstained, or the more fitting bloodstained, diary entries of his past, where every scream is Shomo’s attempt to exorcise those demons. The album flows beautifully and is unyielding. The combination of crushing hardcore riffs with radio-ready clean refrains is magnetic and addictive. That is Beartooth’s secret to success. The elevated and refined pop sensibility sprinkled through the songs is subtle, but makes all the difference.
With songs like “Body Bag” and single “Beaten In Lips”, I have no idea how any of the instruments are still intact. The songs daunting propel forward with purpose and are supported by face melting breakdowns, thick riffs and the catchiest choruses. The songs also carry heavy messages.
“Beaten In Lips” is one of my favorite because of the positive and anthemic nature of the song. It is a call to all dealing with child abuse to “keep living loud and proud/they never can hold you down”. Shomo also addresses alcoholism in “Relapsing” and “I Have A Problem”, another heavy issues. When the instruments drop out “I Have A Problem” and Shomo yells in a broken voice, “I don’t know about you, but I’m admitting now that I have a problem,” is chilling. Shomo then gives the listener even more when he switches things up with two tracks completely void of any cleans vocals. Any know what? They are a heck of a good time. “Dead” is a guarantee circle-pit starter.
No matter how good the rest of the album is, nothing compares to final track “Sick and Disgusting”. It is the record’s best track and is Shomo’s closure. The frontman spills his guts in the most sincere, honest and heart wrenching way possible. When his voice begins to break and shake at the end of the song, the feedback from the guitars kick in and Shomo starts repeating “Daddy I don’t want to be sick and disgusting”; I lost it. I could feel my skin tingle and my heart race. It is unbearable and uncomfortable to listen to at times, but the raw production and honesty is exactly what makes the song beautiful. I do not believe that the best art comes from tragedy, but in this case, I might have to make an exception.
Overall ‘Disgusting’ is an exhilarating listen; a record that will please both punks and hardcore fans alike. When taken at face value, ‘Disgusting’ is an adrenaline rush waiting to happen that is not terrible innovative per say, but dive a little deeper and you will feel the pain, tragedy, anger and darkness that becomes strangely pleasurable if you go even deeper. The year may be far from over, but ‘Disgusting’ is a top contender and might be my favorite debut of the year… Commence the Beartooth mania! GO AND GET THIS ALBUM NOW!
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended Tracks: “Beaten In Lips”, “Body Bag”, “I Have A Problem”, “Sick and Disgusting”
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