SINGLE REVIEW: Joe La Truite - Bad Death City
Joe La Truite explode into life on their latest track, 'Bad Death City', an eclectic thrill ride that refuses to be boxed in by genre or convention. Bursting from the speakers with a confident strut and buckets of attitude, the song immediately signals its intentions, diving into an irresistible retro-tinged groove with echoes of '80s hip-hop, before throwing listeners headlong into a chorus brimming with punchy, punk-metal energy.
From the outset, there's an audacious, playful swagger that channels the spirit of early hip-hop while adding the raw crunch of Limp Bizkit-style nu-metal, complete with attitude-filled vocals and irresistibly heavy grooves. Yet, the band doesn't stop there—they effortlessly weave in pop elements reminiscent of the Backstreet Boys, delivering melodic hooks that contrast brilliantly against the heavier backdrop. It’s a daring mash-up that somehow works spectacularly, adding layers of colour to the track's already vibrant personality.
Psychedelic elements swirl through the relentless momentum, adding a hypnotic edge that complements rather than complicates the pulsating rhythm. The track maintains a sense of unpredictability as guitars shimmer and twist around the pulsating drums, at times slipping into moments of rockabilly brightness that lift the mood and inject even more character into the mix. This constant shifting keeps you utterly engaged, curious about where the next twist will take you.
Vocally, there's a compelling swagger throughout, equal parts playful and confrontational, emphasising the song's rebellious, experimental core. The psychedelic textures blend subtly into the surging instrumentation, underscoring the song’s cinematic ambitions without losing sight of its punk-fuelled urgency.
Ultimately, 'Bad Death City' is an enthralling slice of bold experimentation. Joe La Truite confidently blur genre lines, crafting a track that's catchy yet complex, bright yet gritty, and both nostalgic and refreshingly innovative. This is dynamic music that delights in its own quirkiness, inviting listeners to join the band on their colourful, genre-defying journey.
