Here we go, this one's on the new 3OH!3 album. For those who don't know, 3OH!3 is one of the better of the new wave that is crunkcore electro-pop that seems so popular in the market these days. Before even delving into this review I'll say right now that this music falls squarely into the "love it or hate it" category; it's just that fucking simple. In fact, if you didn't know 3OH!3 before, you should head on over to youtube and listen to the song "Don't Trust Me", it's one of their most popular off the previous album. That should give you a taste of what they're about. Okay. Moving on.
Firstly, the length of the album; it's fourteen tracks and clocks in at close to three quarters of an hour. That's a good length for an LP, even a bit long but there you go. I'll also get this out of the way, for those who listened to the first album, this is more of the same. Yup. Not an evolution, not nearly, but if you liked the first one, you'll like this one.
What does it really sound like though? Well, for the uninitiated, crunkcore, or electro-pop as it's known in some circles is a mix of club, dance music with a sense or hint of rock and pop sensibilities. More often than not this "hint of rock" boils down to nothing more than screaming, shouting or vocals done in the typical rock vein. For the most part it can't be found in the lyrical content, which typically deals with partying, sex, drunkeness etc., definitely not the typical rock repertoire.
Does this mean it's bad? There are those who'll make that argument. In fact, aside from this band the genre has taken beatings left, right and center. I'm not going to say that the beatings aren't warranted, but most of the times the ones issuing the beatings aren't looking at this music in proper context. Can 3OH!3 be taken seriously as a musical act that has something serious to say? Hell no. Does this kill any of their legitimacy immediately? Again, no. I expect to collect flak for this statement, but for what it sets out to do 3OH!3 is one of the better bands out there.
What IS it that they set out to do then? Create good club music, that's easy to listen to, hella catchy, and doesn't require a serious listen. The two guys of 3OH!3 know how to write great pop hooks and they make use of that skill extensively on this record. This is ultimately what saves "Streets Of Gold" I think. It's also what separates 3OH!3 from the other "crunkcore" bands out now.
So, the good and the bad of the album. There's tons of uber catchy songs on this record. Some of the more memorable ones are "I Can Do Anything", "We Are Young", "Touching On My", "I Know How To Say" and "Streets Of Gold". I know that's a lot of songs to just list as the great ones on the record, but it's a testament to their understanding of how to craft a catchy song. Their choruses in those songs are undeniably hooky and they stick with you. Occasionally 3OH!3 steps outside of their comfort zone and tackle some serious subjects such as relationships ending on "R.I.P." and "I'm Not The One". It's here that you catch a glimpse of the bigger picture of this band. Also, they aren't known much for singing, but their performances on those two songs are among the best on the record. There are issues with the album though. The first two singles that were released, "House Party" and "My First Kiss" weren't, in my opinion, single worthy. They fall the flattest in the record, when compared to some of the songs I listed above, which confuses the shit out of me as to why they were released as the flagship tracks for the album. Another problem I had with the album, although a much minor one is the choice of sounds that they use at time. The squelchy bass and synth farts that they employ over and over again can wear away at your ears after a while.
Bottom Line: In the end, "Streets Of Gold" is a good album for what it sets out to do. I'm kind of on the fence as to whether it's a purchase or not. I'd have to say that comes down to the type of person you are. If you're a musician or music listener who takes his shit seriously, then stay away from this album. If you party a whole lot or don't mind light, catchy, tunes then this will be your thing. "Streets Of Gold" is best in a club or when hyping yourself up to go out. As an album to be listened to by itself though, it's just not enough.
Album Rating: 3/5
honest review :D
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