|
Hollywood Undead returns with third LP
Music Review BY TROY DIFFENDERFER, 18, Freestyle Staff Writer
Earlier this month, the L.A.-based Hollywood Undead released "Notes From the Underground," including its latest single "We Are."
The album features seven fewer songs than its predecessor, but in an interview with member Jordan Terrell, who goes by the stage name Charlie Scene, he promises there are no shortcomings to this release.
"We felt like on the last album, we had so many songs on it that some really good ones get lost on the record," says Scene. "We had free rein on this album, so we made sure to put out 11 really awesome songs that we were proud of."
Scene says most of the band members grew up together making music. Other members include, Da Kurlzz, Danny, J-Dog, Johnny 3 Tears and Funny Man. Scene says it took about two years to realize that the band really had something of which to be proud. Its debut album climbed to 22 on the Billboard 200 during its first week of release.
During the group's promotional tour for its second album, the band actually had a producer on the road with them helping to work with some songs for "Notes From the Underground." This helped Scene and company put out a follow-up album less than a year after "American Tragedy," Scene says.
It's been about three years since the departure of Deuce, a vocalist of Hollywood Undead. Scene says the band has had no contact with him since his departure, despite rumors Deuce and the band had a run-in that ended in a lawsuit. Deuce has since released a solo album.
Scene explains that band members take more of a "follow the leader" approach to the writing.
"Pretty much one guy comes up with a song and is then in charge of it," Scene says. "Usually I write most of our party songs, and guys like J-Dog and Johnny 3 Tears write some of the deeper lyrics."
Scene says his influences range from Johnny Cash to Snoop Dogg (or, as he now wishes to be called, Snoop Lion).
The first single released from the album was the heavy-hitting "We Are." The music video released was filmed in a haunted hospital and directed by Slipknot member Shawn "Clown" Crahan. Like "We Are," many Hollywood Undead songs are directed toward the young people.
"We really speak to and from the youth. Stuff like Sandy Hook really affects us as a band; we really want to connect ourselves with the younger generation," says Scene. He also assures fans that any violent lyrics on the album are in no way trying to promote violent acts.
"Lion," a track written by Johnny 3 Tears, was inspired by a viewing of "The Lion King." The track begins with just a piano and chorus and slowly builds momentum with guitar and verses by Johnny 3 Tears. "Rain" is an acoustic track that was written while the band was on tour. The simple lyrics and melody backed by the sound of rain shows a vulnerable side of the band. Just in time for the Super Bowl is a party track perfect for tailgating titled "Pigskin."
"Notes From the Underground" is in stores now and Scene promises that after a quick European tour, the band will embark on a U.S. tour.
|
