With the announcement of The Birthday Massacre’s new album, Superstition, I had a moment of delight. I was instantaneously brought back to the moment when I was introduced the band: my freshman year in high school. Usually a time of exploration in an adolescent’s life, I credit this year to being the year that I became musically adventurous. When I stole the headphones off an eccentric schoolmate’s head out of curiosity, what I heard playing was The Birthday Massacre’s “Red Stars.” It was a slight discovery, but when you instantaneously fall for something in the way that “Red Stars” became one of my favorite songs, the moment new music surfaces it is not exactly taken with nonchalance.
The Birthday Massacre can be recognized for their signature horror rock/synthpop fusion. This musical marriage is only enhanced through the interesting mix of futuristic synths, contrasting vocals and guitar shredding. The female lead vocal is beautiful and soft that is contrasted by a jarring growl. Their music creates an elaborate soundscape that encompasses the listener, which is only emphasized by the overall aesthetic theme. Throughout the record you can pick up on supernatural references found in lyrics, song titles, and artwork.
The first three songs on Superstition—“Divide,” “Diaries” and “Superstition” —continuously flow together with twinkling synths and melodies and pure pop vocal. Then “Destroyer” switches everything up with heavy beats and eerie roaring taking a dark turn. “The Other Side” is a guitar-centered track that is alarming and intense. The record has an instrumental outro, “Trinity,” which is euphoric yet unnerving.
While my initial moment of delight was caused by the prospect of new music, my next feeling was of worry that I wouldn’t feel the awe I felt during my initial introduction to The Birthday Massacre. Even through my initial listening of their new music I kept wary, but then I was immersed into their lush composition and was at ease. Superstition, as the latest installment of the group’s work, is a satisfactory continuation of what they’ve built a reputation for delivering.
In A Word: Compelling
