Lip Critic’s ‘Theft World’ is a frantic and chaotic blend of digi-hardcore and dance-punk that refuses to sit still, managing to be both abrasive and incredibly catchy. Listening to it makes me feel like I’ve just downed three energy drinks while attempting to solve a Rubik’s cube in the middle of a strobe-lit warehouse rave, which is a total blast, and as well all know, there is a 80% chance John Wick might show up and kick everyone’s ass.
After my first and second listen, there are three tracks from the album that absolutely slapped me in the face and commanded my attention: “Two Lucks,” ”Jackpot,” and the heavy, breakdown-filled “Talon”. In “Two Lucks,” the lyrics are particularly unhinged, featuring the lines: “In that junk space, Oh I’m the junk god, I tie that loose end, Up with a rubber glove”, and is a solid, power-packed song that will get ya moving. Meanwhile, “Jackpot” is a dizzying, dance-punk assault that weaponizes slot machine bleeps and dual-drum gymnastics to track the frantic mania of addiction. It forces you through an absolute casino fever dream before spiraling into a body-horror narrative where a suitcase gets autopsied, and coin pouches are pulled straight out from underneath the narrator’s skin. Finally, “Talon” is a maximalist trip that the band describes as “scrolling through hell,” featuring the hauntingly cool imagery: “Marrow pours from the bones breaks, And collagen out of the brain.” The production throughout is so sharp it could give you a papercut, yet there’s a sense of pure, unadulterated joy buried under all those distorted synths and rapid-fire drums.
This album stands out as a bold statement in the experimental scene, proving that Lip Critic knows exactly how to balance total sonic anarchy with grooves that make you want to move. It’s the kind of project that rewards repeat listens, as you’ll discover a new distorted layer or a clever lyrical turn every time you hit play. I’m left wondering how the band managed to make an album that sounds like the future of music collapsing in on itself so beautifully. This is a bit more accessible and slam-dancable kinda Brainiac sound… be sure to check this album out today.
Links of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/lipcritic/
https://lipcritic.bandcamp.com/album/theft-world
https://www.lipcritic.com/ <—– this website rules.