The San Diego-based five-piece metal outfit SeeYouSpaceCowboy -consisting of frontwoman Connie Sgarbossa, her brother, guitarist and vocalist Ethan Sgarbossa, bassist Timmy Moreno, guitarist and clean vocalist Taylor Allen, and drummer AJ Tartol- are back with their latest and third studio full-length album, Coup De Grâce, out April 19, 2024, via Pure Noise Records.
The album's concept revolves around a noir-inspired world of fictional characters, a departure from Sgarbossa's previous autobiographical lyrical approach. Inspired by Frank Miller's Sin City graphic novels and 1940s and 1950s pulp comics and novels, each of the twelve songs on Coup De Grâce serves as a tale from a dark, dystopian cityscape. This thematic shift adds depth and intrigue to the album, inviting listeners into a vividly imagined universe.
The album opens with "Allow Us To Set The Scene," a sax-laden, late-night jazz ballad that sets the stage for the album's narrative. St. Louis-based singer iRis.EXE's narration creates a cinematic atmosphere, immersing listeners in the album's noir world before transitioning into SeeYouSpaceCowboy's signature chaotic, hardcore sound.
"Subtle Whispers To Take Your Breath Away" introduces a surprising melodic edge to the band's sound, influenced by indie-rock sensibilities such as Bloc Party, Foals, and Two Door Cinema Club. The infectious clean vocals and catchy hooks make for a dynamic and engaging track that showcases the band's versatility.
"Lubricant Like Kerosene" featuring Kim Dracula, contrasts with its heavy, aggressive instrumentation, highlighting the album's diverse sonic palette. The track's intense energy adds a visceral quality to the album, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.
The album's midpoint features "Respite For A Tragic Tale," a haunting interlude-style track that further develops the album's narrative. iRis.EXE's vocals provide a moment of reflection before diving back into the album's relentless and heavy pace.
"Silhouettes In Motion" and "To The Dance Floor For Shelter" featuring Courtney LaPlante, blend metalcore aggression with danceable grooves, adding a unique flavour to the album's sound. The latter track, with its nod to My Chemical Romance, captures the album's theme of defiance in the face of chaos.
"Rhythm And Rapture" featuring nothing, nowhere., is an apocalyptic epic that builds tension and intensity, showcasing the band's ability to craft complex and emotionally charged compositions.
"Sister With A Gun" combines SeeYouSpaceCowboy's signature frenetic energy with a singable chorus, demonstrating the band's growth in songwriting and arrangement. The vocal interplay from all three vocalists adds depth to the track, creating a dynamic listening experience.
The album concludes with "Curtain Call," a poignant and reflective track that brings the album full circle. iRis.EXE's narration bids listeners farewell, leaving them with a sense of closure and completion.
Coup De Grâce is a testament to SeeYouSpaceCowboy's artistic evolution and creative vision. The band delivers a conceptually rich and musically diverse record that marks a significant evolution in their sound and storytelling. By embracing their new conceptual approach and expanding their musical horizons, the band has crafted their most ambitious and accomplished album to date. Coup De Grâce is a thrilling and immersive experience that solidifies SeeYouSpaceCowboy's place as one of the most innovative and exciting bands in the genre.
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