TYLER POSEY - UNRAVEL
Trading his red-eyed, alpha ways for a life of self-exhilarating, inward-looking exposés, Tyler Posey has come a long way since his Teen Wolf days. In fact, it seems like he was destined for this new chapter. From his time spent in various pop-punk bands (Disappearing Jamie, formerly known as Lost in Kostko, in 2012, PVMNTS in 2018, and Five North in 2019), it comes as no surprise that Posey’s debut full-length, UNRAVEL, follows in the same footsteps. It’s something the actor-turned-musician is adept at.
Confidently paying homage to the early ‘00s rock scene - think Blink-182, Sum 41 and Linkin Park - Posey manages to evoke a similar sense of nostalgia and comfort as he details his dark personal battles experienced during the pandemic; even with its hard-hitting meanings, it’s a fun, fist-pumping journey for all.
Ferociously kicking off the record, ‘Get Out Alive’ packs quite the punch. The battle cry of a track hoists a slamming punk beat and angsty screams aplenty as Posey blares about deteriorating mental health issues. “Well I'm trying to evaporate / Leave it all behind without a trace,” he shrieks. “I was never here if you see me / So go and look the other way / And leave me here to levitate.”
Exercising that same aggression elsewhere, due to his experiences of coping with anxiety, isolation and intoxication during the past few years, Posey hones in on his emotions further in ‘Lemon’, a hard rock track that sees him self-contemplative in his decisions. Driven by its funky, all-encompassing bassline, the track opens up with a classic, almost droning, punk guitar lead reminiscent of adrenaline-filled, thrill-seeking movie scenes; makes it perfect for its intended use - the ending credits to Teen Wolf: The Movie, which sees Posey reprise his role as everybody's favourite werewolf, Scott McCall.
Maintaining its intense look inwards, the ever-eclectic star continues to shine a light on his struggles. “I thought of living for no reason / I thought of wishing I was dead,” Posey confesses on ‘P.O.S’, a track that unfortunately resonates with many as it discusses the constant battle between one’s thoughts. As the 31-year-old lays his instructive thoughts bare, it’s undercut with a succession of addictive outcomes such as “cocaine that was spinning through my head,” “a bottle of mezcal to put me right back where I started from,” and “a few hits of ecstasy.” It’s safe to say he isn’t holding back with this record.
It’s at this point that it’s noticeable Posey’s level of freedom runs high; UNRAVEL, which spans “every genre from screamo hardcore punk to chill beach vibes,” has something for everyone. The impressive collection showcases Posey in a new light - his truest, most authentic form if you must - and finds him proudly wearing his influences on his sleeve. From the get-go, it’s a lighthearted, enjoyable listen, despite its deep lyrical content at times, and is something Tyler Posey should be more than proud of.
Shannon Garner
★★★★☆