The Critics – Miserable & Melodramatic (Album Review)

The Critics are an original alternative rock band from Fortuna, California influenced by the sound of the early 2000’s, including bands such as The Strokes, Radiohead, and Arctic Monkeys. The band is very passionate about performing live for their fans.  I got turned on to this band of teenagers when I heard them perform live at a local venue here on the North Coast of California.

This is a video of that live performance, the third song in this video Mascara is truly exceptional, so be sure to find that song. here is the video Video filmed and edited by Chad Johnson.

The band’s debut album is Miserable & Melodramatic, released on February 28, 2023.

The band is fronted by guitarists Sergio Ramirez and Joshua Fuller, with Sergio handling the lead vocals and writing all the lyrics. They are joined by Ethan Fuller on drums and Aaron Soll on bass. Ryan Martin also played bass on the album. Joshua Fuller mixed the album. The album was tracked and mastered by Aaron Souza.

So let’s get into this fantastic debut album …

The album kicks off with a nice early 2000s bouncing guitar riff that drives the first song The Noise. Sergio’s vocals immediately stand out. I haven’t heard a voice like this, it’s exceptional for this style of music and is an immediate hook to anyone in the 15-25 year old age-range. Particularly if you like tasty mosh trance inducing dance grooves.

Where U Want starts off with a nice arpeggiated guitar line before falling into the band’s signature sound of the mix of Vox and Fender amps. The guitar playing in this band is very intricate and tight. These kids know how to play their instruments with passion.

Gone kicks off with a pulsing bass riff, followed quickly by very reverb laden guitars and Sergio’s plaintive voice. This song has a slightly mellow vibe than the first two songs on the album. The bass guitar drives the song forward with its pulsating beat.

Party Girl chimes in with a slow and heavy pounding guitar riff – where have you been, where did you go? About a girl who parties on the weekends with her drunken fools – demons that she calls friends. The lead guitar work on this track really stands out. Both Sergio and Joshua are truly gifted lead guitarists and often both play lead on songs.

Yours immediately hooks you in with the catchy lead guitar solo that falls back into a very slow groove lead solo. The beat on this song and Sergio’s soul-shattering vocals capture your attention. A song about being hooked on a girl and wanting to be “yours”. Your ears will appreciate the master songwriting craft this song displays, very catchy.

The next song Wait starts off with a 1970s style heavy single-note bass and guitar riff, then falls back into a nice mellow groove under Sergio’s signature style vocals. Very reminiscent of some of my favorite bands from the 1970s. All you gotta do is wait.

Miserable & Melodramatic, the album’s title cut, kicks off with drums and then into a jangly rhythm guitar. Sergio’s vocals match the sound of the instruments perfectly creating a wall of sonic goodness that washes over your ears and into your mind.

As Bad As It Seems has a dominant rhythm guitar, slightly distorted and very jangly. Nothing’s as bad as it seems is the motivation in the lyrics of Sergio’s vocals. I like the ending of this song with a steady drumbeat and a different, very hypnotic, feel. I would like to hear more of this in their songs.

The ninth song Hit the Floor starts with a very lovely reverb-drenched guitar part. But then when it kicks into the chorus, the guitar changes to sound more like Green Day.

What Now?, the album’s final track – listen for the clever washed-out backing vocals. A very mellow way to end the album. Leaving you wanting more songs from The Critics.

SCORE/Excellent: If you’re in the 15-30 age range and love indie alt rock, you’ll love this band. They are exceptionally gifted on their instruments. The mixing and mastering on this album is particularly nice, everything in the mix stands out. The album reminded me of the new Arctic Monkeys album in the songwriting and sounds of the guitars. Go grab this album to put into your favorites playlist. You won’t be disappointed. In fact, you’ll thank me for this gem of a recommendation. Overall, a very tasty debut album, that will leave you wanting more from The Critics and a ticket to see them live. Much love, Beth

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