Dangerkids Collapse Review

Artist: Dangerkids

Label: Rise Records

Release Date: September 17th, 2013

Genre: Post-Hardcore, Hip-Hop

Mark my words, Dangerkids is going to be huge. Their unique blend of Linkin Park infused hardcore has already gained the attention of the masses, and their debut album Collapse is sure to be the stepping stone that will inevitably skyrocket this band to Sleeping With Sirens and A Day to Remember levels of fame. Now, that we’ve gotten that reality out of the way we can talk about the ups and downs within Collapse.

Collapse for all intents and purposes is a rock solid debut from a fledgling band. The album has such a consistent, polished, and tight sound that few artists manage to achieve on a debut album. Dangerkids are at their most absorbing during their heavier moments. “Destroy Yourself” builds up into a powerful bridge that is arguably the best on the album, “Hostage” has an eerie synth opening before the guitars come in with a mosh-pit ready riff, while “Fractions” is the most interesting track, due in part to the excellent chorus and furious drumming provided by Katie Cole.

Where Collapse falls a little flat is the slower tracks. “Unmade” comes across as a tad cheesy with an awkward chorus that is only redeemed by the engaging instruments that follow. The two instrumental introductions “Where The Sky Breaks” and “Dust” don’t add much to their respective songs and seem to only pad the album to be twelve tracks. Don’t be fooled, you’re getting ten tracks with this album.

The rest of Collapse is fun and unconventional for the first couple of listens, however after those initial listens Dangerkids formula becomes predictable and pedestrian. Yes, they can write a good hook, “Paper Thin,” “Waking Up,” and “Countdown” are proof of that, but there is nothing here to make you come back to the album after repeated listens. There’s no depth and no layers, the music only hits you on the surface level. You will enjoy your time with Collapse but in a month you’ll likely forget about it.

Dangerkids have found their “sound” on Collapse for better and for worse. The band is doing something different with the genre, yet they’re simultaneously playing it safe. Collapse is a great launching point  for the band, however I’d love to see them experiment more with their formula because the talent is there to do something truly different and engaging for post-hardcore fans.

Verdict: 3/5