REVIEW: Dropout Kings 'GlitchGang' EP
Within the dry sultry heat of Arizona, the music scene seems to be crafting some pretty unique and electrifying acts to come out of the state. One in particular that stands out from the crowd is Dropout Kings, trying to change the nu-metal music game with their electrifying EP GlitchGang, released April 3rd of this year via Stay Sick Recordings.
GlitchGang starts with the dynamic opener "PitUp," a high-energy fusion of immersive trap beats, explosive guitar riffs, and beautifully vicious unclean vocals that seamlessly flow together. It’s a track you want to throw down to and quite literally “open a pit up” - hopefully sooner than later. Next up is the title track "GlitchGang," where agitated guitar riffs continue to permeate the EP, merging with fierce screams that keep the nu-metal ambiance in check. Complimented by impressive hip-hop lyricism, keeping the track fresh and engaging, ready for the rest of the EP.
We then come to a jewel of a track in "Virus." Distinctive scratches and glitchy atmospheric touches effectively glaze this entire track from start to finish. "Virus" nostalgically takes us back to the classic 2003 Linkin Park album Meteora, splashing a few modern rap elements into the mix, it creates a powerhouse of an anthem like no other on this EP. Elsewhere, "Devil's Playground" is one of the more unique serene twists on GlitchGang thus far. It’s consistent cleans throughout is a nice change and provides a break from the pulsating energy that has lit up the album up to this point.
Another fantastic juncture on this EP is "Hakai." Bringing the energy back up to where it had been previously with "Virus," it's a dynamic ball of fire that focuses on kinetically paced instrumentals, animated guitar riffs, and high-powered percussive work makes this one of the more fun tracks on GlitchGang. Ending this colorful journey, we come to the last song of the EP, "Slo." Keeping in strides with what we heard previously, "Slo" fires off with a kaleidoscope of titanic guitar riffs and drum work that puts a triumphant final stamp to the conclusion of GlitchGang.
Dropout Kings is bringing back a style of metal that hasn't been done successfully in quite some time. GitchGang is an impressive multi-genre achievement that provides the best of the genres it represents throughout. Dropout Kings is quickly showing they have the potential to do it all; if they continue to create star-studded hits like this in the future, this band will be around for a very long time.