$uicideboy$ – New World Depression ALBUM REVIEW

Credit: Harrison Haines, Shared Under CC BY-ND 2.0

The album “New World Depression” by Suicide Boys consists of 13 tracks, clocking in at 34 minutes.

This short duration reflects the duo’s tendency towards brevity, with many tracks just barely reaching the two-minute mark.

Their approach remains consistent with their prior works, avoiding overextended compositions and maintaining a concise structure.

Production Quality

The production emphasizes straightforward grooves and has a distinct Southern feel.

Recent improvements can be noted in the samples and synths, which are slicker and softer.

The atmospheric qualities of the beats create a low-key vibe, maintaining a subtle yet engaging foundation for the album.

Lyrical Themes

The lyrics touch on heavy themes such as depression, drug use, money, and violence.

References to guns, sex, and murder appear with a creepy, almost stalker-like tone.

Despite these dark themes, the lyrics generally stay at a surface level without making profound statements.

Notable exceptions include tracks like “The Light at the End of the Tunnel,” which delves into addiction and personal turmoil.

Vocal Delivery

Vocal delivery on this album is characterized by a hazy and obscured style.

Instead of clear, upfront vocals, the duo opts for a more subdued approach, akin to lead ad-libs.

This choice emphasizes the eerie, cold-blooded vibe over catching every lyric.

The track “Are You Going to See the Rose in the Vase” stands out for its catchy melodic lines, showcasing their potential for engaging song structure.

Analyzing the Core Elements

The Balance of Artistic Stability

The group Suicide Boys, comprised of Scrim and Ruby da Cherry, has truly showcased their commitment to their distinct blend of Southern hip-hop, which rejuvenates old-school sounds with a modern twist.

Their relentless dedication to this style has set them apart from others who have drifted with the evolving trends in the genre.

Yet, this unwavering persistence in their artistic direction elicits mixed responses.

While some appreciate their consistent approach, others argue that it causes creative stagnation.

Consistency and its Effects:

• Advantages:
  • Continuous high sales and streaming numbers.
  • Loyal fanbase appreciating the unchanging style.
  • Successful independent career spanning over a decade.
• Disadvantages:
  • Critics see a lack of innovation and evolution.
  • Risk of sounding repetitive across projects.

Their latest release follows familiar patterns, focusing on eerie and unsettling themes accompanied by straightforward production.

Despite minor enhancements in sound quality, the overarching structure remains unchanged, provoking debate regarding creative growth.

Engaging the Audience and the Dynamic Duo

Despite criticisms, Suicide Boys have maintained a significant audience base.

Their independence and reluctance to conform to mainstream industry tactics have solidified their brand.

This principled stance resonates well with their fans, who cherish the authenticity and raw essence of their music.

Interaction with Fans and Industry Perception:

• Engagement:
  • Rarely engaging in standard promotional activities like music videos or frequent media appearances.
  • Millions of monthly listeners on streaming platforms, indicating strong engagement without conventional marketing efforts.
• Perception:
  • The duo’s fans remain devout, appreciating the transparency and consistency, even if critics are less enthusiastic.
  • Their minimalistic and haunting style continues to captivate, despite occasional dissatisfaction over lyrical depth or thematic exploration.

The Suicide Boys’ long-run approach highlights their unique place in the music industry, where remaining true to their origin has both cemented their legacy and sparked critical debate.

Song Breakdown

Track-wise Analysis

Scrim and Ruby da Cherry have built a long-lasting career with their unique sound. The new album continues this trend with 13 tracks that maintain their signature style.

The album’s production features grooves with a Southern feel, incorporating samples, synths, and atmospheres that are slightly more refined and mellower.

Most tracks on the album are brief, some not even reaching the two-minute mark.

The duo also maintains their tendency to avoid catchy, anthemic choruses, opting for a more obscure and hazy vocal style.

This makes the overall energy and enjoyment of the tracks more about the cold, eerie vibes than dissecting every lyric or beat.

Notable tracks include “The Light at the End of the Tunnel,” which provides a poignant commentary on addiction, and “Are You Going to See the Rose in the Vase,” where the melodic vocal lines are both catchy and touching.

Conversely, some tracks lack memorability and feel like they miss the mark, such as “Us V Them” and the album’s closing track.

Deep Cuts Insights

Exploring the deeper cuts of the album, “Transgressions” stands out as an attempt to deliver a more emotionally charged performance, though it comes across as awkward in execution.

Additionally, the mixture of bold themes like depression, drugs, and white-trash life adds an eerie and unsettling layer to the music.

The duo’s approach to lyrical content often stays at the surface level without diving into more profound statements.

Yet when they do, as in “The Light at the End of the Tunnel,” it offers a stark glimpse into deeper themes like addiction and personal struggles.

Overall, the deep cuts provide a mix of intriguing insights into the duo’s psyche but also demonstrate the limits of their typical stylistic approach. This mix of familiarity and slight variations keeps their longtime fans engaged while highlighting their consistency and steadfast creative vision.