DIZTURBIA.COM | RECORD INDUCTION | ISSUES "ISSUES" (2014) | 06/20/14



I. OPENING THOUGHTS

So here's how it goes, each and every month, I will be inducting 2 records,

as in 2 actual music RECORDS (meaning, 12" VINYL records, not CD's)

into my newly-started up, personal (DVSNGH) RECORD COLLECTION.

Despite, at the time of this writing, not owning a actual RECORD PLAYER.

(which I sure as fuck do intend on getting, at a later date, but anyways...).

One amongst the many ideas I had with the launching of ISSUEZZ.COM.

And what better of a FIRST RECORD to induct to my collection, than yeah,

the band (and record) for whom I chose to title myself/site after: ISSUES!

Dubbed by some "the future of metalcore" (a fusion genre of extreme metal

and hardcore punk), hated by many however, god fuckin bless ISSUES!

II. THOUGHTS ON ISSUES

Issues, so had their band name NOT been "Issues", idunno what to tell you,

maybe, I might not a been so much drawn to this band, indeed a possibility.

Yeah, I'm one of those suckas, who often gets sucked in by clever marketing

(on part of band or their record label) sometimes overshadowing 'the music'

side of things, as sad as it to say, a (psychology) trick used by 'boy bands'.

And depending who you talk to, regarding Issues (the band), some already

casted them off as a 'boy band' (who just happen to write their own songs).

But contrary to what some people say of the band, I really enjoy them, and

what they bring to the table, and to their credit, trying to create a "blend"

(of R&B and Heavy Metal) that they can say (later on) "We invented that!".

III. TRACKLISTING

1. "Sad Ghost" (4:31)
2. "Mad at Myself" (3:50)
3. "Life of a Nine" (3:14)
4. "The Langdon House" (3:57)
5. "Late" (3:33)
6. "Old Dena" (by Scout) (1:35)
7. "Stingray Affliction" (3:38)
8. "Never Lose Your Flames" (3:41)
9. "Personality Cult" (3:53)
10. "Tears on the Runaway, Pt. 2" (feat. Nylo) (3:57)
11. "The Settlement"  (2:32)
12. "Disappear (Remember When)" (5:23)

IV. TRACK REFERENCE

5. "Late" (3:33) ★★★★★
7. "Stingray Affliction" (3:38) ★★★★★
9. "Personality Cult" (3:53) ★★★★
3. "Life of a Nine" (3:14) ★★★★
8. "Never Lose Your Flames" (3:41) ★★★
6. "Old Dena" (by Scout) (1:35) ★★★
2. "Mad at Myself" (3:50) ★★★
1. "Sad Ghost" (4:31) ★★★
4. "The Langdon House" (3:57) ★★
12. "Disappear (Remember When)" (5:23) ★★
10. "Tears on the Runaway, Pt. 2" (feat. Nylo) (3:57) ★
11. "The Settlement"  (2:32) ★

V. FAVORITE TRACK

My favorite track off "Issues" is track #5 "Late", despite at the time of

this writing (06/20/14), it not being a real "hit" or a "single" off the album,

but it has been 'the' song to get the most plays (by me) than any other.

Having had set HIGH EXPECTATIONS on this band and record, before

its release, based off their impressive debut EP ("Black Diamonds", 2013)

I was expecting this record to be BANGIN from the very start, but however,

tracks 1-4 just weren't hitting the mark for me (good, but not all that great).

And in comes track 5 ("Late"), and from the very first seconds of the song,

has me hooked, and from thereon, the album just kicks into HIGH GEAR

(before totally collapsing at track 10, no offense, "Tears On The..." sucks). 

VI. OTHER STANDOUT TRACKS

So the big 'hit' to come from this record is track #7 "Stringray Affliction",

the album's first released 'single', showcasing the band's attempt of mixing

metalcore and R&B (the first band on a major-label to attempt such deed).

The result is quite amazing, on 'some parts' of the record, this being one.

On track #8 "Never Lose Your Flames" (their 'second single') though,

they go about it a different way, except, this approach not so much as good,

and me personally, I got the impression of a band, trying too hard to say,

"look at us! we want to appeal to both metalheads, and DRAKE fans!").

But one song that deserves major *PROPS* is track #9 "Personality Cult",

one of which contains very little R&B elements, 2014 metalcore its finest!

VII. LEAST FAVORITE TRACKS

Every album has their "filler elements", and there's no doubt about it,

on "Issues" there are quite the many 'filler moments', but luckily though,

they are pushed to the end of the record (it being tracks 10 through 13).

Which is quite interesting though, when stumbling upon band interviews

(on Youtube), where they show tremendous *praise* for tracks 10 and 11

("Tears On The Runway, Part 2" and "Disappear/Remember When")

for being so diverse and unique, but yeah, I found them quite unlistenable.

And need I point out track 4 "The Langdon House", and the fact that, yeah,

it's not only a boorriinng track, but it really shouldn't be placed where it is,

as I've found the #4 track slot to be a very key/important part of a record.

VIII. ARTWORK

Aside from admiring a record for "the music", there's also its "imaging",

and I have to say, as far as the "Issues" artwork goes, it's phenomenal!

What might be noticeable here, aside from the scribbly background texture,

is that fact you only see 'one word', it being the band's name, "ISSUES",

which might be explainable since this is their 'self-titled' (and first) record.

Now, considering the word "issues" in itself reflects that of a big *negative*,

and you tie that with the imagery of 'scribbly notes', lol, idunno about you,

but I see 'shades of...', um, a suicidal person, who's, um, got major issues!

or perhaps, I'm completely *misinterpreting* what this record cover means.

And yeah, I in fact own a t-shirt of this same artwork, and wear it proudly.

IX. CLOSING THOUGHTS

I have to admit right here, had the *band name* not in fact been, "ISSUES"

(or at least the album title), hmmm, I may not had bought in to this band

as much as I have, and in turn, making them my first "record induction".

And as much as I dig this particular "fusion" of music (R&B + Metal) that

these guys are hoping to master/accomplish, I'll definitely have to admit it,

there are moments these guys rock! and moments they flat out fuckin' suck!

You read up on ISSUES, yeah, you'll notice ALOT more haters than lovers!

Andso I'm hoping, come the next ISSUES record (I'm guessing in 2016?),

they are able to strongly improve on the foundation they started in 2013,

and yeah, if they do, maybe they will be 'opening act' for Rihanna someday!

X. PICTURES



(FRONT COVER)

(BACK COVER)

(ALTERNATE COVER)

(LYRICS SHEET, CREDITS)

(VINYL, SIDE A)

(VINYL, SIDE B)

(BONUS, CD COPY)

(ALL TOGETHER)