Genre : Chaotic hardcore, Mathcore, Metalcore
Released : July 21st, 2023
Label : Self-release
FFO : Every Time I Die, Vein.fm, Loathe, Silent Planet, Chamber, Greyhaven, Frontierer
After their last year's abrasive EP "Storyteller", New Yorkers Johnny Booth add their stone to the monument that is the redefining of metalcore and hardcore in the present day; an edifice that has been exceptionally furnished this year with an abundance of both memorable and forward-thinking releases in the genre.
Johnny Booth's third full length album "Moments Elsewhere" joins the ranks of other works in a similar sphere who set out to make hardcore and metalcore sound as chameleonic as possible, roping in sounds or stylistic elements from music genres you would not expect amidst the usual chaos in order to pull the rug from under your feet.
Even before reaching the album's halfway point, that intention is made clear as we dart from the explosive downtuned barrage of opener "2040", to multi-directional tracks "Collapse in the Key of Fireworks" or "Full Tilt" who blend unhinged sonic assault with softer sections or unpredictable twists like the bongo pre-breakdown bridge of the former for instance.
We are then presented to a much more melodic and dreamy, Deftones/Loathe-like facet of the band's sound with tracks like "The Ladder", "Only by Name" and especially "Why Becomes How", with the first two being divided by interlude "The Mirror" which sounds like it could have belonged on Tyler The Creator's "Flower Boy".
On "Moments Elsewhere", Johnny Booth successfully manage to juggle between varying styles and emotions, agilely balancing between relentless sonic onslaught, whom vocalist Andrew Herman conveys fantastically, reminiscent of bands like Vein or even Frontierer (see tracks "Ring Light Altar" and "Gatekeeper") and the more accessible alternative metal or melodic metalcore elements.
My main issue with the album would be with its pacing that can feel a bit unevenly balanced and the fact that it could perhaps insist more on the refreshing, creative elements it brings to the chaotic hardcore songwriting blueprint, but that does not prevent "Moments Elsewhere" from being a very enjoyable listen that deserves a spot in the upper tier of its musical category in 2023 alongside its peers.
Favourite tracks : "2040", "The Ladder", "Only by Name", "Ring Light Altar", "Gatekeeper"