Soundhoose‘s brand new album Craniotomy is a musical manifestation of mental warfare and the feelings of weakness that many of us experience. The alternative rock/pop punk band hailing from Los Angeles, comprising of Jeremy Bauer, Paul Burns and lead singer Brandon Smith, is committed to breaking the stigma around mental health through their music.
Commenting on their sonic mission, lead singer Brandon Smith shares, “Mental health is the backbone of our material and no matter the age, gender or sexual preference, we want our songs about these dark subjects to be powerful, danceable, and to be a way that the conversation of mental health can be discussed freely without any judgment.”
The album opens with the track “Ghosted”, which immediately sets the tone with its intense, high-energy sound. The pounding drums and playful guitar riffs are accompanied by Smith’s powerful vocals as he belt out captivating melodic leads to mark the beginning of what is a full-on rock and roll assault.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Loner”, which has a catchy, pop punk sound reminiscent of bands like Green Day and Blink 182. The lyrics are relatable and speak to the feeling of isolation that can come with journeying through life alone. Smith’s vocals are particularly impressive on this track, as he effortlessly transitions between soft, melodic verses and powerful, anthemic choruses.
Another notable track is “Friendzone”, which begins with a driving and gritty guitar intro before exploding into a hard-hitting pop rock anthem. The chorus is incredibly catchy and will have listeners singing along in no time.
The album also has its softer moments, such as the acoustic ballad album closer “Mood Swings”. This track showcases the band’s songwriting ability as well as Smith’s knack for conveying raw emotion through his lyrics. The stripped-back arrangement allows the listener to fully appreciate the beauty of the song.
Overall, Craniotomy is an impressive album that showcases Soundhoose’s diverse sound and their commitment to promoting mental health awareness. The band’s influences are clear, with nods to the likes of Green Day, My Chemical Romance, and Blink 182. However, they manage to make their sound their own, blending punk and pop sensibilities to create something fresh and exciting.
One of the standout aspects of the album is Smith’s vocals, which are compelling and emotive throughout. He has a skill for delivering anthemic choruses that will have listeners singing along and feeling empowered. The guitar and drum work on the album is also noteworthy, with Bauer and Burns delivering riffs and percussive energies that will have rock fans headbanging in no time.
Craniotomy is a must-listen for fans of alternative rock and pop punk. It’s an album that’s both musically impressive and lyrically meaningful, with Soundhoose delivering an important message about mental health through their music. This is a band to watch out for, and it’ll be exciting to see what they do next.
Listen to Craniotomy below
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