Bad Things - Bad Things

Los Angeles, CA's Bad Things have landed on the scene with their self-titled debut album. The band features none other than Olympic gold medal winning snowboarder Shaun White, who is stepping out into his own as a musician, and proves that he is more than just a talented athlete with incredible red hair.

We kick things off with the disc's first single "Anybody" a dazzling, frenetic experience with the amazing lead vocals of Davis LeDuke providing for the backdrop that gives everybody a chance to stand out and individually showcase their talents to a curious and excitable audience. "Fool" keeps things in the midtempo structure with a straightforward number that features terrific drum arrangements from Lena Zawaideh who fits in perfectly with the musical dynamic of the band and doesn't feel the need to do anything overpowering and smartly plays it simple to have a lasting impression on the crowd. "Caught Inside" takes things on a downtempo approach showcasing the musical diversity that lies at the base of the group with Shaun doing a great job on guitar and bassist Jared Palomar formerly of Augustana delivering a outstanding one-two punch that gives the band its character and essence that is present all throughout this record and on stage as well. My favorite song off the album is "Saturday Night", an upbeat slice of synth rock heaven with a balance split right down the middle with some indie influences seeping their way into the opening of the song, and instantly spreading throughout the track's surface that provides for an instant wave of excitement and euphoria that showcases the great fervor and anticipation that surrounded the release of this album, mostly due to the face of Shaun being in the band.

The second half gets underway with "Vices" a melodic, drum riddled opus that features Davis's vocals operating in different wavelengths this time around to provide for some diversity and depth as a individual musician, which bodes well for his stage presence which is beyond captivating and is something to behold if you ever see them in concert. "Lonely Eyes" is a neat, fun-filled little number with steady guitar riffs working at a steady pace, but not too overwhelming for the listener just passing by, and Lena gets an opportunity to show off her pipes that add an air of style and grace to a band that have already have my full attention upfront. We get ready to close out the effort with "Say It Again" a warm, inviting number that cruises along at a steady speed and doesn't let up right until the very end. "End of the Road" concludes our stay here with a synth laden opus that is indicative of the type of music they play and the emotional response that they want to illicit from their small but ever growing fanbase that hangs on to their every word. I was impressed from the get go from this band, and was amazed at Shaun's capabilities as a musician which I didn't even know he possessed, and he more than proves his worth and fits in perfectly with his bandmates who all do a great job of looking out for each other as well.

In closing, a well produced and recorded debut effort from Bad Things, who are slowly emerging as a prime candidate for buzz band of the year with this release that shows what happens when 3 San Diego natives coming from different backgrounds share a common bond for the love of music and all the frills that go along with it as well.

                                                                                                                               Album Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. Anybody
2. Fool
3. Haunting
4. Caught Inside
5. Saturday Night
6. Lost Feeling
7. Vices
8. Lonely Eyes
9. Bury
10. Say It Again
11. End of the Road