SET IT OFF - ELSEWHERE
In the past, Set It Off have been known for taking each album to the extreme with their sound. With their debut album Cinematics being more punk rock and their latest album Midnight taking on more of a darker pop energy, Elsewhere is genre bending and isn’t ashamed of standing out in the crowd.
The lead single ‘Skeleton’ sticks out because it has some of the best vocals and production. “I’m damned if I do or I don’t, I’m breaking my bones can’t make it alone” are lyrics that stand out instantly, as everyone has had one of those moments at least once in their life. With Covid and how much life has changed these past two years, everyone can relate to feeling that emotion.
Another song that stands out is ‘Why do I’. This song is interesting because it is about how this guy is still in love with an ex and is confused as to why he still thinks about her when he knows she isn't returning the thoughts. This song uses Set It Off’s usual technique of using poppy poppy production to cover depressing lyrics.
The second single, ‘Projector’ is a personal favorite. Lyrics such as “You shit on all of your friends and then blame ‘em for the mess” is a relatable line because everyone has that one friend or person in their life where they constantly blame their own problems onto other people and then get mad when you retaliate. Vocalist Cody Carson has said what he wishes from this song is that “I just want people to be able to turn this up as loud as it can go and vent about all those irritating people in their lives.”
‘As Good As It Gets’ is a song that sounds very different then the rest of the album. Lyrically, it's a very self-deprecating song and the production matches the tone of the lyrics really well. It is one of the sadder songs on the album due to the topic of how hard it is to watch your friends and other people in your life start to figure their life out while it feels like you are stuck in a ditch.
Providing an instant hit of energy is ‘Cut Off’, a song that will translate live very well. With lyrics like “You make me socially awkward the way you cook up the drama” and “you're just an overplayed song that no one wants to hear”, you can already imagine the way the crowd will react during their upcoming shows if this song makes the setlist.
‘Why Not Me’ talks about how hard it is to watch everyone around you succeed while you feel stuck in one place. Giving fans an easily relatable topic, this song will be a fan-favorite due to everyone knowing what it’s like to be hard on yourself on the inside while on the outside you are supposed to be happy cheering for the people in your life who are being successful.
Elsewhere breathes fresh air into Set It Off’s discography, bringing a new sound into their neon-gore splattered era. While it might catch some fans off guard, it’s evident that Set It Off are as diverse and creative as ever.
Kassidy Quillin
★★★★★