GL1TCH3S - Beatastic

I am very excited to do this review, seeing that it is another pre-release review. I was contacted by Nico, the man behind Beatastic, to review his new album, GL1TCH3S, set to release April 30th. I had never heard of Beatastic before, but was stoked for the opportunity to listen and give my thoughts about it. GL1TCH3S is Beatastic's 4th album, and Beatastic has been around since 2008

So, the album. The biggest thing I noticed was the wide variety of sounds. He uses a range of different instruments and genre types throughout the album, which creates unique listening experiences for each song. Every track takes the listener on a musical journey, and always in different and exciting directions. For example, "Dreamcatcher" begins with a tight drum beat, but then has a classical guitar line coming over it to create an unexpected sound, especially when combined with the vocals, which echo and have a "dream-like" quality. This is a contrast to the next track on the album, "Together Forever", which has an electronic beat to begin with and roaring guitar chords ripping into the track. It creates a different feel, but at the same time adds to the continuity maintained throughout the album. There are many more examples of his use of contrasting ideas, from "Bedtime" beginning with a mellow synth line and a slow-groovin' beat and having a gritty and distorted come erupting in, to "Hightide" and its shift from upbeat drums and a synth line to a horn propelled ending. The album is full of surprises like this, which makes it an exciting listen. One of my favorites from the album is "Let's Make Today About Today", which has a very classical sounding intro thanks to the piano and strings working together quite beautifully. However, it switches immediately when the drum beat comes in hard and hip-hop heavy. Nico then changes it up again by adding an electric guitar line, further distorting lines between genres. It's got the feel of a rap song, but the swagger and intensity of a rock song. Definitely one of the best from this record. Another favorite is Glitchy, which has the same kind of vibe as Sleigh Bells, who utilize big distorted guitar lines over driving electronic beats. It's fast, catchy, and rockin'. Also throughout the album, you can definitely feel the influence of bands like Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkin, with the heavy electronic sounds and roaring guitar riffs scattered in various tracks like "Lctr".

Overall, I was impressed by the album. Labeling it as "Electronica" does not do it justice; this album crosses genre lines all over the place. While there weren't as many stand out songs for me, they were all well done. It's upbeat, it's groovin', and it's good music. 4/5

Tracklist:
Glitchy - 4:44 (5/5)
Lctr - 3:56 (5/5)
Give Up (feat. Ayla) - 4:16 (4/5)
Dreamcatcher - 4:02 (5/5)
Together Forever - 6:05 (4/5)
26 Years - 5:54 (4/5)
Addiction - 3:22 (4/5)
How Fast The Fog Comes In - 4:48 (4/5)
Every Monday Is Fine - 3:59 (4/5)
If You Want To Be Mine (feat. Brook Gulliver) - 2:41 (5/5)
Let's Make Today About Today (feat Global Graffiti) - 4:34 (5/5)
Bedtime - 5:09 (4/5)
Hightide (feat. Jenny Thompson) - 5:20 (4/5)
Comets And Nebulas - 8:28 (4/5)