Artist: Evil Nine Album: They Live!

Year: 2008
Duration: 0:0-1

Breaking Down Evil Nine's They Live! Album: A Critical Review

Music has always been more than just entertainment for people; it's an art form, an escape, and a way to express emotions. The celebrated artist Evil Nine sets the bar high every time they release music. Their third studio album, They Live! was no exception. As a music lover, and an Evil Nine fan, I couldn't resist taking a critical look at this latest album. I take you through a brief history, the music genre, the most innovative parts, the best songs of the album, and a critical review of the album itself.

A Brief History of Evil Nine:

Tom Beaufoy and Pat Pardy are the talented duo behind Evil Nine. They hale from Brighton, UK, and the two met during the late 1990s DJ scene. Fast forward to 2003, and Evil Nine had put out their first album, You Can Be Special Too. This album was met with widespread acclaim for its outstanding production and variety of musical influences. They Live! comes as a follow-up to this fantastic album and has big shoes to fill.

The Music Genre:

They Live! is categorized as electronic music, with a focus mainly on the breakbeat and house sub-genres. It's a genre that popular music tends to overlook, making Evil Nine stand out like a breath of fresh air. The tracks are a blend of electronic and acoustic instruments, providing a rich, dynamic sound. Evil Nine's sound on this album feels progressive and sophisticated, much like a person that has come a long way for a particular destination.

Most Innovative Parts:

The album's production is top-tier, and the production value is outstanding. The instrumentation is thrilling, and it's easy to get caught up in the album's underlying emotion. One element that especially stood out was the use of cutting-edge technology in the production. The use of sound design and its seamless incorporation made the album stand out even more. It's a testament to the work put in the album.

Best Songs on the Album:

Every track on They Live! is amazing, but some stand out for a few reasons. From the opening track, Burn It To The Ground, it's clear that this album is going to be powerful. The track has gritty synth sounds and distorted drums that create an industrial feel. Set it Off has fast-paced breakbeats with an underlying melodic chord progression. Crooked has a resounding bass that drives the beat, and the chorus is intriguing. Lastly, Stay Up has an infectious groove that's impossible not to move to.

A Critic to the Album:

Hey, it's not all rainbows and sunshine here. Although the album is incredible, I have a few critiques. The use of vocalists, although necessary, took away from the overall sound of the album. When the voice came through, it was hard to distinguish it against the beats, ultimately doing the singers a disservice. Additionally, it wouldn't have hurt to have a few more straightforward tracks that didn't feel as complex as the others.

In the end, They Live! is an excellent album with minor shortcomings that are quickly overlooked. It's an album that should be appreciated for its innovative approach to electronic music production that Evil Nine, as a musical act, have brought with it. With a catchy sound that will stay with you for days afterward, and an innovative approach to music that doesn't come by often, it deserves the recognition it's achieved. They Live! is a clear testament to the creative prowess of Evil Nine, and this electronic album is one for the books.