Review Summary: All in all, "That's Outrageous!" have crafted a fun little thrill ride of an album, that rarely lets up. While it doesn't really break any new ground, it's definitely one of the best releases this year from a genre that is quickly becoming stale.
*Please keep in mind, A.) I wrote this review last year, but wanted to use it as my first Sputnik review, and B.) This is (still technically) my first review, so be gentle!*
Everyone deserves a second chance, don't they? That's Outrageous! certainly believe they do, and they come out guns blazing in their sophomore record "Psycho".
The album starts out with "Psycho", which is a short but intense opener. Quickly, we get a taste of the scream/sing dynamic as we get throttled by harsh vocalist John Easterly and then quickly serenaded by clean vocalist Tom DeGrazia. It's a great way to start the album off. We get a little cool down with the haunting piano driven instrumental "Return to Woodsboro" and then are thrown into the fast paced "Pretty Little Liars". After that we have the first single released off the album, "Obliviate". It's a fantastic track, that again, capitalizes on the scream/sing dynamic. Did I mention that the band loves to change their sound up with always present (but never overbearing) synth? If not, then look no further than the completely electronic dance number "Vyvanse Trance". It's a very poppy song, that will have you nodding your head throughout it's entire 3 and half minute stay. Next up is "Paging Patrick Bateman" with its fast and heavy verses and epic choruses (Courtesy of Kevin Newland of Fearing Farewell). "Flatliners" is a sequel of sorts to the song "Re: Why I Killed My Girlfriend" off of their first record. This song loves its synth and guitars, switching between the two constantly throughout the entire song. After "Flatliners" is "Home Invasion 101" another completely synth song. I personally find this song to be my guilty pleasure of the album, but I could completely understand why some people will tear this song apart. The album hits its heaviest moment when they bring out "Stranger Danger", a two minute scream fest, that will leave you shaking from an adrenaline rush. "*67" is the oddity of the album, but quite possibly my favorite song. Only real complaints for this song is that it's way too short. "The New York Chainsaw Massacre Pt.II" is the heavy as hell response to the original "New York Chainsaw Massacre" also found on their first album. Quite possibly the fastest and angriest song on the album, it also sports some great lines like, "Keep thinking that your better than me. You wont be smiling once I rip out your ***ing teeth!". The album finishes out with the somewhat disappointing "Straight To Voicemail". While definitely interesting, I think they should have used something more fast paced to close out such an intense album.
All in all, "That's Outrageous!" have crafted a fun little thrill ride of an album, that rarely lets up. While it doesn't really break any new ground, it's definitely one of the best releases this year from a genre that is quickly becoming stale. "That's Outrageous!" is a band that was on the brink of falling apart, and then got it's *** together and released a great follow up to one of the most fun albums of 2011. It's fast, fun, and entertaining. And in the end, isn't that what music is supposed to be?
