Album Review: That's Outrageous! - 'Teenage Scream'

The debut album by Poughkeepsie, (yeah I’m not sure where that is either) 6-piece (that recently became a 5-piece) That’s Outrageous is definitely a glimpse at a new and refreshing band who aren’t afraid to experiment with their sound. Teenage Scream, while exceptionally short- not even breaking the 27-minute mark- combines the breakdowns and screams of metalcore, the dance elements of electronica and dubstep, the catchy hooks of pop music and even some rap for good measure. Rise Records have definitely taken a risk with this recent addition to the family, but will it pay off?

The part of this album that will make it stand out from the crowd (for better or worse, you decide) is its variety. The ease that That’s Outrageous slide between metalcore tracks to pop-infused hooks to electronic lines is seamless. Producer Cameron Mizell, who has also worked with I See Stars and Memphis May Fire, has helped these boys take the best parts of these genres and blend them together.

The opening track, "The Poughkeepsie Tapes", is a short introduction to the album. It opens with classical piano before moving into synthesizer beat lines and slipping back to classical piano. It feels like a wave of emotions that will not prepare you for what is to come. Judging by the second track "Headshot At The Ballet Recital" you would think this is going to be no more than another metalcore album. With deep growly screams and smooth clean vocals interlaced between bouncy guitars and breakdowns it definitely feels like it. A strong point of the That’s Outrageous unit is the contrast between the deep, raspy growls of Doriano Magliano and the crisp, pop-like cleans of Thomas De Grazia. Third track, "Teenage Scream", is a fitting title track for the album. Here you will get a real taste of this band’s versatile sound. It opens with a catchy poppy hook before moving into an electronic section fit for a Breathe Carolina album. Before you know it the track drops into a breakdown full of deep growls and back into its poppy hook. Magliano and De Grazia even take their turns at rapping. It showcases every side of That’s Outrageous and you can’t help but dance along.

This band definitely mixes up their sound. With tracks like "#Winning" that sound like they could fit in with Sleeping With Sirens, "Is It 2012 Yet?" that takes the best elements of a Breathe Carolina-esque sound, straight up pop tracks "Star69" and "What Happens In Azeroth, Stays In Azeroth" and heaviest track on the album "The New York Chainsaw Massacre" whose opening could be made by Bring Me The Horizon it is hard to define their genre.

No matter how much anyone tries to deny it, this album will have you dancing, singing, rapping and bopping along from beginning to end. It cannot be denied. Whether this band can stand the test of time is questionable, but it is definite that Teenage Scream will get tongues wagging and parties starting as soon as it drops.

While the music isn’t pushing the envelope or creating anything new, and the lyrics won’t be quoted by angsty teenagers for years to come, That’s Outrageous have definitely created a very well produced fun, party album. It is obvious that there is always a place in the music industry for bands that craft beautiful melodies accompanied by moving and motivational lyrics. But if that is what you are looking for, keep searching. That’s Outrageous may not fit in that category but they have definitely created an album full of catchy hooks that will get stuck in your head, dance along beats that will keep you moving, and songs that will get you off your feet- and possibly make you cringe- because you are enjoying them so much. Sometimes it is simply enough to create an album that allows people to escape the reality that is real life for half an hour.

1. The Poughkeepsie Tapes
2. Headshot At the Ballet Recital
3. Teenage Scream
4. #Winning
5. Star 69
6. So, I'm Thinking of Starting a Clothing Line...
7. Is It 2012 Yet?
8. The New York Chainsaw Massacre
9. Re:Why I Killed My Girlfriend
10. What Happens In Azeroth, Stays In Azeroth