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The Used

Toxic Positivity

Written by: PP on 12/11/2023 12:02:30

The early 2000s emo/post-hardcore bands have been dropping like flies over the years to an extent where we are probably seeing more reunions now than existing bands that have continued to churn out music since then. Not so with The Used. Bert McCracken has been delivering his quintessential cliché emo/post-hardcore with dramatic and theatrical flair at consistent intervals every two to three years or so. Sure, they ventured into the experimental world on their 2017 double album "The Canyon" and slightly away from the heavier material on "Heartwork" three years ago, but their ninth album "Toxic Positivity" is a return right back to their mid-era albums.

Recall the larger-than-life production and chaotic scenes of "Lies For The Liars" and you'll have an idea of where they are today. There are some absolutely enormous post-hardcore pieces on this album, ranging from the infectiously catchy and expansive chorus of "Headspace" to the raw emotion on "Numb". We're also dealing with a concept album of sorts, with the vast majority of songs dealing with mental health issues from various aspects, but only in the sense that the lyrical universe is uniform throughout.

If you're into the clean/scream dynamics, songs like "Dopamine" have you covered. From discordant segments and backing screams, this song will take you right back to the heights of post-hardcore. "Dancing With A Brick Wall", on the other hand, is a bouncy, danceable cut that still has a rough edge to it. The complex opening riff of "Top Of The World" transitions into an upbeat verse and an infectiously catchy chorus that displays McCracken can still write a memorable lyrical hook.

To that extent, it's nice to see The Used continue to ignore the haters and remain within a whiny, scream-laden atmosphere for the majority of the record, thus serving their fans exactly what they want on a silver platter. At the same time, there's no way around the cliché atmosphere that permeates the record. It feels dated and forced in places, even if the songwriting continues to be decent. But all things said, if post-hardcore is your thing, especially in a particularly dramatic and production-heavy format, then "Toxic Positivity" is still a fine album.

Download: Top Of The World, Headspace, Numb
For the fans of: D.R.U.G.S, Chiodos, Escape The Fate, Senses Fail, Ice Nine Kills, Greeley Estates
Listen: Facebook

Release date 19.05.2023
Big Noise