Lip Critic is yet another exciting band hailing from New York City—but that’s not at all an attempt to diminish what they’re accomplishing with this record. While Geese may be the most notable band to emerge from the New York City scene as of late, bands such as YHWH Nailgun and Model/Actriz have made major waves in certain music circles as well. After the release of “Theft World,” Lip Critic deserves to be discussed right alongside these bands. 

“Theft World” is the band’s second album, but they already feel like seasoned digital hardcore veterans. I stumbled across “Talon,” a single they released ahead of “Theft World,” when it popped up in my suggested songs on Apple Music. I instantly threw on their debut album and consequently bought tickets to their show in Chicago later this month. 

The story behind the album’s creation is a bit wild. According to Rolling Stone, Bret Kaser, the lead singer of Lip Critic, had his identity stolen.

“Kaser got his identity stolen by a superfan who bought out their discography on Bandcamp while they were writing and recording the record. At a show in Boston, the thief sauntered up to the band’s merch table and told Kaser his Social Security number with a grin,” the band said.

“Theft World” immediately sets the tone with a heater in “Two Lucks.”The drums are loud, the vocals are loud; it’s all loud. It’s in your face. A synth-heavy song with an undeniable bass line, the song eventually reaches a screaming climax, culminating in a clown horn signaling the end. Upon hearing this song for the first time, it instantly became one of my favorites. And whether or not you’d judge me for this, it’s on my gym playlist.

“Theft World” doesn’t let you catch your breath for a second as it promptly hits you with the sound of an alarm bell converted into a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)  with the second track, “Jackpot.” This song has a lot going on, and while I initially enjoyed it on my first few listens, it tends to try to do a little too much. I’m all for hectic soundscapes, but there comes a point where it’s a bit excessive. That being said, the direction it takes near the halfway mark is a welcome change of pace. Dare I say they let you catch your breath?

“Debt Forest” is up next, featuring the same abrasive synths you’ll grow to be familiar with as the album progresses. While this song certainly has its high points, including a stellar vocal performance by Kaser, it ends up a bit forgettable as it’s sandwiched in between some really standout tracks. 

“Talon,” however, is undoubtedly a highlight track. As I stated earlier, this was the track that initially put me on to Lip Critic. Much like many other tracks, it grabs you immediately and doesn’t let go. With Kaser’s best vocal performance of the album and incredible drumming from Danny Eberle throughout the song, I couldn’t be more excited to see the band perform this live. It’s going to be electric.

“‘Talon’ is a song about scrolling through hell…traversing an absurd and violent world at 1,000 mph in a go-kart your friend’s dad modded based off a YouTube video,” the band told Our Culture Mag.

With such a high-energy album, I find myself having listener fatigue partway through “Theft World.” A few tracks later, however, the album grabbed my attention once again. The three-track run of “My Blush (Strength Of The Critic),” “Shoplifting” and “Legs In A Snare” is fantastic.

The hecticness of “Theft World” ends with “200 Bottles On Eviction,” a song telling you to keep going, because “the world lives on in spite of you.”

Lip Critic’s “Theft World” is a constant assault on your ears, sometimes sounding like an unreleased Death Grips song, other times channeling Machine Girl. Their vocals are also oftentimes reminiscent of The Garden. If you’re at all familiar with any of those bands, that should give you a sense of what to expect. But once you start listening to this album, despite perhaps taking inspiration from various avenues, it offers something entirely refreshing and new. Nobody is doing it quite like Lip Critic.

Lip Critic’s “Theft World” is out now, and if you like what you hear, they’re performing a show at the Beat Kitchen later this month. 

8/10