SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ANDREW W.K. – GOD IS PARTYING

Andrew W.K.
God Is Partying
Napalm Records

Ever since exploding onto the music scene in 2001 with monster party anthems that were heard worldwide and beyond, Andrew W.K. has been a champion of positivity, hard rock, and partying. 2018 marked a major recording comeback with You’re Not Alone.  2021 marks something even bigger, darker, and way more intense with his release of God Is Partying. The music ventures into prog and heavy metal territories, delivering sinister anthems that will hold you down like a dark force beyond your control.

Opening track “Everybody Sins” is a grandiose composition that breaks open with sounds of emergency horns leading into heavy keyboards, eventually weaving its way into monster rock riffs and telling us that “Your god is liar” and that “The beasts are you and me”. This super-catchy yet copiously intense track sets the stage for a truly wicked set of songs to come. He gives the listener little time to breathe as he hammers us with “Babalon”, the album’s lead single. This somewhat prog metal track has complex syncopated rhythms that build its allure and stays with you emotionally and sonically with behemoth riffs and production.

“No One Knows” is beautifully composed on piano with superb vocals and well-produced instrumentation. The overall message of self-empowerment is lyrically beautiful, as we’ve come to expect with his work. Knowing that he single-handedly played all instruments on this record is amazing and a testament to his raw musical talent.

As the album’s creeping pace continues, another fascinating track comes along. “Stay True To Your Heart” is a Nine Inch Nails style production that begins with a drum machine intro eventually ballooning into full band explosion in the chorus sections.

As we get to the album’s third single, “I’m In Heaven”, earthmoving heaviness returns in spades. This half-time mega riffing track is definitely a top contender and is accompanied by a killer horror movie style music video. The single is dark, macabre, and deranged, and although the lyrics are limited, one might say this is his message about suicide and its difficult subject matter. The song is left to the audience’s interpretation; however, the video seems to show that although life is dark and difficult, there is a way through it.

Although Andrew W.K. takes us on a journey to the dark side, the music is fresh and innovative with immaculate studio production and honest lyrics. This album drops with perfect timing and really should be heard by audiences far beyond his fan base. God Is Partying is a collection of powerful tracks that his audience will absolutely love!

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