Album Review: Shoot The Girl First – I Confess

Tyler H. March 25, 2016 242 Comments 869 views 1 like

Shoot The Girl First is one of the many bands to fall victim to an ever changing lineup. Their debut album was leaned heavily on electronic elements and for the most part, did little to separate itself from its fellow peers. Fast forward to the present and you see the band preparing to release their sophomore album, I Confess, with a new solidified lineup which includes their new vocalist Alex Sayti. As is commonplace when a band gets a new vocalist, the band have opted for a bit of a change in sound.

[tw-toggle title=”About Shoot the Girl First”]
Genre: Post Hardcore
Label: Redfield Records
Release: April 1st, 2016
Connect: Facebook | Twitter
Purchase: iTunes | Google Play
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New vocalist Alex Sayti certainly brings the heavy on the new record. He showcases a refreshing range of brutal lows and crushing mids. Alex handles the singing on the record as well and does so quite effectively. His singing is melodic, crisp and a perfect complement the relentless heaviness of this album. While the band has abandoned the electronicore sound, its important to note that there are still electronic elements thrown in throughout. Songs such as “I Like The Way You Die, Boy”, “Have The Lambs Stop Screaming” and “Death Dealer” are chock full of synth, keys and orchestral elements. They are executed well this time around and never come off feeling cheesy or unnecessary.

One of I Confess’s biggest strengths is in its variety. Upon initial listen, you may disagree with this as it is a metalcore album through and through with straight metalcore songs (“God’s Gift [Your Violence]”, “Call Me V” and “9th Symphony”) that do tend to drag at times. Despite that, there is enough variety to keep listeners actively engaged. “No Hero” is full of gang choruses and see’s keyboardist Crystal take main stage. She handles most of the screams on the song and it makes for a refreshing change of pace. This particular song, while still heavy, is one of the more melodic driven songs and was written to fit Crystal’s more frantic, high screaming style. The back forth between Alex and Crystal’s screams throughout the album make for an engaging and fun dynamic.

Shoot the Girl First – No Hero (OFFICIAL)

New album „I Confess” out April 1st, 2016 on Redfield Records. BUY: iTunes http://geni.us/STGFiTunes // Amazon http://geni.us/STGFICAmazondigital +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Written and Performed by Shoot the Girl First Mix/Master by Homeless Records Video Production by Disclosure Production http://www.shootthegirl1st.com http://www.facebook.com/shootthegirlf… http://www.twitter.com/shootthegirl1st http://www.instagram.com/shootthegirl1st http://www.redfield-records.de http://www.facebook.com/redfieldrecords

The standout song on the album is easily “Evil’s Trick” mostly due to guest vocals by Myka, Relocates singer Michael Swank. Michael handles the chorus of the song and it’s by far the catchiest of the album. Swank’s higher pitched singing compliments the song’s chorus and accompanying synth quite nicely and makes for the album’s most memorable song.

I Confess is sure to draw in new fans with their heavier, more refined sound while still keeping old fans by retaining a lot of synth and electronic elements throughout. It may not be reinventing the wheel, but its a solid metalcore album nonetheless. The album neatly balances melody, crushing heaviness and synth/electronic elements making it their best release so far. Be sure to pick up I Confess on April 1st.