Music Review: Set It Off’s Self-Titled Album

Set It Off has always been known for their unique ability to toe the line of cringe without succumbing to it completely. Their distinctive trait lies in their knack for creating catchy tunes from the more embarrassing elements of pop-rock. While their songs may not stand out for exceptional quality or originality post-2012, their talent for making earworms out of less dignified traits has carried them through their music career up to Elsewhere in 2022.

However, their latest self-titled album marks a departure from their signature style. Transitioning to alt-metal, a genre less forgiving of performers humbling themselves, Set It Off seems to have veered off course. The album kicks off with “Pathological,” setting a tone of mediocre execution. While lead vocalist Cody Carson’s rapping does not dominate the album, the prevalent themes of superiority over fake people and vulnerability to them persist throughout. The album seems to lack originality, with echoes of Falling In Reverse apparent in its derivative sound.

The absence of fresh ideas, emotions, or executions on this album is glaringly obvious. Songs like “Rotten” feature a chorus melody that feels regrettably generic, epitomizing the lack of creativity on the album. Set It Off seems to have jumped on the alt-metal bandwagon, adhering strictly to its conventions without introducing any innovative elements. The album portrays a sense of conformity rather than rebellion, failing to establish itself as anything more than a trend-following endeavor by a band with little prior involvement in the alt-metal scene.

The lackluster quality of Set It Off’s self-titled album reflects a dearth of character and charm that could have redeemed it. While past releases showcased a certain level of corniness and hackiness that Set It Off made their own, this album falls short of those standards. Tracks like “Creating Monsters” offer glimpses of creativity, but overall, the album lacks substance and authenticity.

In an attempt to compete with contemporary alt-metal acts, Set It Off risks losing its identity and credibility. The band’s pivot towards a sound saturated with radio-metal influences may alienate listeners who have grown weary of such offerings. The album’s failure to advance or evolve musically may pose a threat to Set It Off’s longevity in the music industry. Ultimately, the album comes across as contrived and insincere, potentially jeopardizing the band’s career in the long run.

Fans of Falling In Reverse, Get Scared, and TX2 may find Set It Off’s latest album underwhelming. Set to be released on November 7th, the album represents a departure from the band’s usual style, attempting to navigate the alt-metal landscape with mixed results. As Set It Off grapples with their new sonic direction, the future of the band hangs in the balance.