Album review: SeeYouSpaceCowboy – Coup De Grâce

SeeYouSpaceCowboy don’t like being called a screamo band. You can understand why. It’s a label that, perhaps unfairly, has negative connotations in the eyes of some, but in the case of SYSC, there’s a more pertinent reason to distance themselves from that particular tag. Despite growing up in and emerging from that movement, the San Diego natives have built a musical identity for themselves that significantly expands on and transcends those roots. A self-described ‘sasscore’ outfit, SeeYouSpaceCowboy have carved out a sound all their own, and never has it been more fully realised than on this brilliant third album.

Setting the neo-noir scene in which the album’s story unfolds thanks to some sultry saxophone and keys, the viciousness with which SeeYouSpaceCowboy deliver their music soon arrives, with vocalist Connie Sgarbossa on particularly devastating form throughout. Subtle Whispers To Take Your Breath Away comes armed with potent vocals and an alluring guitar tone that will delight lovers of all things emo, while the riffy aggression of Lubricant Like Kerosene is another crunching highlight.

Coup De Grâce comes armed with a number of impressive cameos, and the band's musical dexterity is demonstrated by their collaborations with Spiritbox’s Courtney LaPlante and emo favourite nothing,nowhere. The former, To The Dance Floor For Shelter, is a brutal yet catchy coming together of two powerhouse vocalists, while Rhythm And Rapture finds the band making great use of nothing,nowhere.’s melodic sensibilities. Not to be outdone by their guests, penultimate track Chewing The Scenery does exactly what it says on the tin, delivering an all-consuming sasscore epic that sees the album reach a thrilling climax.

A ferocious ode to all things dark and dramatic, Coup De Grâce is the sound of SeeYouSpaceCowboy staking their claim to be one of rock’s most exciting young bands.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Static Dress, My Chemical Romance, If I Die First

Coup De Grâce is released on April 19 via Pure Noise – pre-order your copy now

Read this: SeeYouSpaceCowboy: “This is the uncensored, no-holds-barred version of us”