Artist: Krewella
Album: Get Wet
Release Date:Sept. 24
Label: Columbia Records
Grade: B
Dubstep and EDM lovers are about to be aroused.
Spring Fest veterans and EDM trio Krewella released their anticipated debut album Get Wet on Tuesday. Sisters Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf, accompanied by their producer Kris "Rain Man" Trindl, have gained worldwide popularity this year with performances at festivals like Electric Zoo. Get Wet showcases Krewella's sound and will help them to gain a larger fanbase.
The classic EDM formula - electronic elements, bass drops and influence from other genres - is present in the album, but Krewella at least attempts a change.
"Dancing with the Devil" is one of the standout tracks from the album. Fall Out Boy vocalist, Patrick Stump, and Blink-182 drummer, Travis Barker, offer their talents here to take EDM to a new level. The Yousaf sisters' airy vocals have moments in which they contend against Stump's falsetto and rock influences. Barker's drumming can be heard amidst the danceable, electronically formatted beats and adds to the 'little-bit-of-everything' sound on the track.
The eerie opening to "Ring of Fire" is striking in comparison to the hurried intros in the previous tracks. That beat reappears through the song along with a soaring anthem of a chorus and a booty-bouncing bass drop. The contrast between the hard-hitting electronics and horror-inspired tones actually works and makes the track a favorite.
The "ballads" of Get Wet aren't really the ballads most of us are used to. The tempo is still at a rate in which it's possible to dance, and the lyrics embody the carefree attitude that fans of electronic music appreciate. "Pass the Love Around" and "Human" incorporate tender lyrics about love and not being accepted with the sounds of piano and, you guessed it, bass drops. Though different, these slow songs failed to leave a lasting impression.
Current radio single "Live For the Night" contains all the successful elements of a pop song. It fits the club scene, and it's fairly easy to construct images of recreational drug use during this track - something many EDM festivalgoers are familiar with. Rain Man's production complements the Yousaf sisters' Ke$ha-inspired lyrics and vocals. "Live for the Night" is a free- spirited party song that will soon drive you crazy as it's overplayed on the radio.
"Come & Get It," "Alive" and "Killin' it" act as fillers on Get Wet. Though these tracks from their Play Hard and Play Harder Remix EPs gained worldwide recognition, it doesn't make sense to make a carbon copy of them. Instead, three more songs could have made the album more enticing to fans that already have the EPs.
Krewella is having fun and living in the moment. Get Wet reflects the trio's mellow attitude and desire to party. Maybe we should all take a page out of Krewella's book and free ourselves of inhibitions for a night.
Email: arts@ubspectrum.com
