Review Summary: They really don't give a fuck anymore.
Let's make one thing clear. If Falling In Reverse wasn't fronted by Ronnie Radke, this band would be absolutely nowhere. Even their debut was plagued with generic breakdowns, awful synths, and repetitive song structures. If they had an unknown vocalist, no one would have listened to it, no one would have given it any attention, and the band probably wouldn't have bothered to release a sophomore effort. Unfortunately, Ronnie Radke isn't an unknown vocalist. In fact, he's made quite a name for himself these past few months. Allegedly firing his whole band, releasing solo rap songs, and deleting his tweets when things weren't going his way are just some of the great things that Radke has been up to. Now the time has come, and we're presented with "Fashionably Late", the band's "highly anticipated" sophomore record. Let's just say, they really don't care anymore.
I sat down today and prepared myself for a wild ride. I knew that this album would be nothing less than horrendous. The first track started up, and I was actually surprised. This album kicks off with the track 'Champion', and don't let the generic metalcore riffing fool you like it fooled me, this is far from a metalcore album. In fact, you only have to wait 2 minutes to be greeted with a rap verse where Ronnie breaks it down and "tells off the haters". How could they possible top that tight verse? A breakdown. This is what this band has become; a gimmick. The rap verses make them stand out from their peers, but their breakdowns show that they are no better than any other genericore band. Following this gem of a track is 'Bad Girls Club' and this is where I legitimately had to stop listening. It's synth pop that sounds like it was crafted by a 12 year old Japanese girl with a Yamaha. I'm at a loss for words as to why anyone would think this song would be a good idea. For me, it's the contender for worst song of the year.
Anyway, you're three songs in and you think to yourself, how could this get any worse? Well 'Rolling Stone' isn't as awful as the aforementioned track, but it's still pretty awful nonetheless. Riffing similar to the creative genius of Asking Alexandria, a poppy chorus, and guess what? Another rap verse. Guess what after that?! A breakdown. The sliver of creativity and potential that this band had shown on their debut is squashed at this point, and you can only pray that it doesn't get any worse. You're given a break with the title track, as it's just harmless pop-rock, but you're thrown right back into the dumpster once again when 'Alone' rolls along. Piss poor electronics, generic as it gets riffing, and breakdowns galore. Not to mention Radke's rap verses and intelligent lyricism such as lines like, "All I do is win; Charlie Sheen." 'Born To Lead' follows and it shows the band trying to incorporate more of a metalcore sound. This fails miserably, and after the ridiculously long and pointless solo, we are presented with another breakdown that sounds exactly the same as the ones we've heard before. Are you noticing a pattern yet? Trying to be heavy, electronic song, trying to be heavy, pop-rock, electronic song. The album follows this pattern and every attempt is as poor and as awful as the last. With 'It's Over When It's Over', the band slows it down a bit, but it's still a poor attempt at pop-rock. 'Game Over' comes along and if you haven't contemplated suicide yet, this song will probably prompt you to pull the trigger. 8-bit sound effects, poor guitar riffs, and the same chorus that Ronnie has been singing this whole album. The pattern continues with another "trying to be heavy" track, and i'll be honest, 'Self-Destruct Personality' is the closest thing to heavy that this band has ever done. Well, that's what you think. Until Ronnie drops another rap verse on you. Jesus ***ing Christ what were they thinking? Oh, and yeah, there's a solo after that. Pretty good solo actually. But it loses all credibility cause it's followed by a breakdown.
'*** The Rest' is another pop-rock song, sounding like a Blink-182 b-side with worse lyrics and a more annoying vocalist. Ronnie even addresses that the song is for you... and your mother too. Then another great breakdown is thrown at us, with some weird glitch effect used to add to the junz. Can I give up yet? Anyway, 'Keep Holding On' is the homosexual anthem for the people who don't feel like they fit in, and Ronnie wants to be the man to help you through it by bragging about his success. There's another pretty good solo on this track but GUESS WHAT?! ANOTHER BREAKDOWN. The last track is a difficult one to describe. If I had to fit it into a genre, I would describe it as being pop-country, if that exists. It ends abruptly and let me tell you that I've never been happier to get through an album. There is not one redeemable quality to be found on this album, as everything about it is mediocre and just plain terrible. Stay far away from this at all costs and do not subject yourself to the torture that I endured this afternoon. Leave it alone, and maybe, just maybe, the band will *** off.
.01/5
