The Used – Artwork

The Used are the poster boys of the screamo movement. Or, I guess, they were when they broke out in 2002 with their self-titled debut. The record was – in some ways – a revolutionary record for the years to come; a feat that can be considered both good or bad depending on who you ask. But the fact remained that they were here and making a name for themselves. Bert McCracken’s vocals became celebrated as hundreds of bands tried, and failed, to copy his delivery of depressed, drug-riddled, psychotic lyrical imagery.

In the seven years that has passed since then the Utah quartet has steadily progressed forward, slightly adapting their sound with each passing release, some lineup changes and constant touring. In that time they’ve changed, they’ve progressed and it’s never been more evident than on their fourth studio album, Artwork.

Some may argue this, but Artwork is definitely much harder than anything they’ve done in the past. The vocals aren’t nearly as heavy which will lead some to say they’ve softened their sound, after all, McCracken’s growl was legendary and he’s definitely toned it down here. His vocals are now more controlled as he shows not only a wider ranger of notes but also much more consistent delivery than anything before. Despite that, it’s still harder in the same way that Alexisonfire‘s Old Crows/Young Cardinals is heavier than their self-titled effort. They don’t rely on the spastic screams to make it heavy but instead do it through stronger breakdowns, lower guitar tones and distortion, grunge and grimy, industrialized sounds. The studio effects like loading shotguns or creaking doors aren’t nearly as prevalent as before, this is pure musicianship that is making it heavy and Artwork succeeds because of that.

The full success of that isn’t initially apparent though. Instead, Artwork is a record that requires numerous listens for it to finally sink in – so much so that my overall score of the record has actually increased as I’ve typed this review. My first listen of the record I remember thinking that it was good and much better than Lies For The Liars. The lyrics which are, unfortunately, completely indecipherable in the lyrics booklet forcing you to search for them online weren’t as immediately striking as the band’s older material but there were a few moments that stood out.

I liked it, there was no denying that but nothing truly stood out; and I mean nothing. There was no song like Box Full Of Sharp Objects, I’m A Fake, All That I’ve Got, The Ripper or The Bird and The Worm. No song on the album jumped out and become my go-to track, not even the single Blood on My Hands had that captivating quality. It was a strong record but nothing jumped out but as the week passed on I continually left the record on. Sometimes in the background, other times blasting through my ipod and overtime it grew on me.

The record was undeniably cohesive. The spastic parts that made The Used stand out before were still there, but in a supporting role as opposed to a leading function. It made it less disjointed and more fluid but with enough of originality to keep the listener listening. McCracken’s vocals, sometimes singing and sometimes teetering on the edge of screams, snuck into my memory and after a few listens I was unknowingly singing along. There was a stronger focused on a more structural sound and stronger hooks instead of an attraction by the unexpected.

Artwork is not a record that will be immediately attractive to all their fans and I still doubt that when I look back at the CD that there will be a certain song that sticks out but as a complete album, Artworkworks.