Crisis in Hollywood, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

“Look at me I’m the next big thing,” sings Crisis in Hollywood singer Adrian Snyder, and with his band’s anticipated debut album, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, he may be on his way. The band, which consists of Daniel Valery on guitars, Logan Berton on bass, and Andy Wambach on drums, has compiled 13 tracks that are full of catchy hooks, infectious guitar riffs, over-the-top sing-alongs, and a swirl of three-part harmonies that rival anything the Jonas Brothers sing. The album’s first track, “The Fashion of the Christ,” kicks off with repetitive drum rolls before an attack of dual vocals soon join in, reminiscent of early Taking Back Sunday. Adrian spills lyrics describing how they see the scene they belong to and take stabs at the number of mass-produced bands popping up year after year, the trendy clothes and dark eyeliners that mask the quality of the music.

“Sin on my Lips” is the quintessential first single from this pop-punk band, fitting the formula to a T. It’s filled with heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics, repetitive, captivating choruses, and melodic guitars, with lyrics touching on that all-too-familiar subject, a failed relationship. Although not new, Crisis in Hollywood manages to make the topic as fresh as ever, and you’ll find yourself singing the chorus by the second go-round.

As you get to the fourth track, though, you may begin sensing a feeling of déjà vu, as the track “Like a Wave” begins with yet another repetitive snare drum roll, but once your ears get past the assault of drums, the song is an in-your-face attack filled with double-bass patterns and guitar solos. It’s definitely a track where Crisis in Hollywood envisioned sweaty bodies slamming into each other, but while the track is filled with fury it still holds its pop roots so as to not alienate their fans. It’s nice to see Crisis in Hollywood depart from their formula on “Out with a Bang,” which incorporates tambourines and handclaps over a steady heart-thumping bass line that sends shiver down your spine. The lyrics touch on the subject of living your life as only you can and the need to stop living by the orders of the masses.

On the negative side, while Crisis in Hollywood may be on their way to playing bigger venues and competing with the likes of Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco, this album won’t be the one to make them rockstars. The band seems to be coping with an identity crisis, as the musicians blend their catchy hooks with overzealous metal-crunch guitars and overused double bass pedals. “Let it Go” is a prime example; the band adds its love of metal where it’s not needed and alters the songs overall appeal. On their last track, Crisis in Hollywood does manage to make you forget that they’re a pop-punk band. The title track showcases the best of Crisis in Hollywood’s love of metal — midway into the track, they break down and delve into a metal-like trance filled with dual guitar solos and constant double-bass kicks that are evocative of Atreyu. The melody of the song is more rock ‘n roll than pop-punk; perhaps this is the growth of the band that we’re witnessing.

Crisis in Hollywood has found a niche in a scene where emo, screamo, hardcore, and mass-produced pop acts rule the charts, and they’ve done it with relentless touring and an old-school, punk-style DIY attitude. The band is currently in the studio recording their followup, and with the band growing up, one can only expect their second full-length to be bigger and better. Maybe, just like Snyder sings on “The Fashion of the Christ,” he will be the next big thing.