Album review: Chase Atlantic – BEAUTY IN DEATH

BEAUTY IN DEATH exists in a fuzzy, dreamlike state that feels like it could easily slip into a coma. Spotted early on by Good Charlotte’s Madden brothers and signed to their management, Chase Atlantic have made their name through gluey, trap-infused pop and painting a vampiric lifestyle of blurry nights, popped pills and barely-escaped comedowns. Oh, and the odd sax solo. BEAUTY IN DEATH carries on from 2019’s spaced-out predecessor PHASES, stumbling through highs, lows and disappearing lines between the two.

Those wondering how far the rabbit hole actually goes will be disappointed to discover that Chase Atlantic’s third album isn’t even as deep as its title. Too often the LA-based, Aussie-bred trio are content to circle around in their own fishbowl, leaning on marshmallowy production and Mitchel Cave’s loose-lipped flow to carry a tune. The title-track and MOLLY crib notes from The 1975’s funk-lite blueprint, five years after that band abandoned it as stale. It takes out-of-step moments like PARANOID’s shredding guitar solo or EMPTY’s marimba intro to cut through the fug, which are, sadly, quickly swallowed up.

Most wearing is the lack of passion in their mopey mix of revelry and apathy. Maybe that’s the point – the highs and lows becoming indistinguishable – but it makes for dull listening. Their bulletproof front works for showing off and SLIDE’s humble brag, ‘I don’t wanna say that I’m God, but I’ll take you to heaven if you die.’ But the invulnerability means even attempts to open up come off as hollow and self-pitying. ‘Why rip the heart out of my chest?’ Mitchel asks on MOLLY’s ode to a girl like a drug (or a drug like a girl), ‘Why waste your time? There’s nothing left inside.’ You might ask yourself the same.

Verdict: 2/5

For Fans Of: Lil Peep, Hollywood Undead, Machine Gun Kelly

BEAUTY IN DEATH is released on March 5 via Fearless.

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