Swan Songs
Swan Songs aims for an immediate reaction. Hollywood Undead combine rapping, electronic beats and heavy guitars with choruses that take little time to stick. The songs have simple structures, and the production gives almost every idea a clear place. The debut offers more momentum than depth, but recognising that does not immediately remove its appeal.
Undead makes the approach clear: an electronic opening, a firm rhythm and distorted guitars support a succession of different voices. Rapping and clean choruses keep each other moving. Sell Your Soul places more emphasis on the guitars, while Everywhere I Go relies on an easily followed rhythm. Switching between vocalists helps the songs maintain some distinction.
The electronics are much more than an additional coating. Keyboards, effects and programmed parts contribute heavily to the backing. They keep the music close to hip-hop and pop even when the guitars become heavier. Funny Man's low voice provides another recognisable feature among the rapped and sung parts.
The lyrics create a bigger limitation. Endless party stories and cheap provocations lose their appeal quickly. When the group attempt a more serious tone on Young or This Love, This Hate, the change does not always feel natural. The emphatic emotions sometimes lack the substance needed to become convincing.
Swan Songs still has enough strong melodic ideas to offer more than a collection of jokes. Its clearly produced songs can be very catchy if you tolerate the attitude around them. The whole album remains uneven: the best choruses explain the enjoyment, but weak lyrics and forced moments prevent a more lasting impression. Listeners looking mainly for direct hooks will find more here than those hoping for detailed arrangements or thoughtful writing.
