Reviewed by Cory Stark
Rating: 5/10
Terrible Human Beings is The Orwells’ third studio album, and unfortunately, I don’t have a lot to say about it. It’s not all that exciting, and it’s not all that unexpected. This record is all too predictable for The Orwells, and fails to offer any significant evolution of the band. Fans of The Orwells will most likely enjoy Terrible Human Beings, but I find it unlikely that this album will pull in new listeners.
In similar fashion to their earlier works, the record puts forth a raw garage rock sound coupled with traditional rock n’ roll “I don’t care” vocals and lyrics. In some parts of the album, it sounds like the band is trying too hard to convince the listener that they really ARE terrible human beings. This formula works better on their other two full-lengths, but continuing the same theme with Terrible Human Beings just feels played out and boring. Perhaps the most injurious aspect of this is that it CAN be done (Arctic Monkeys), but The Orwells aren’t doing it right.
Musically, the album is pretty average. It’s garage rock, so don’t expect complex harmonies or melodic lines. Usually, garage rock bands make up for this by creating catchy jams, but the only song from Terrible Human Beings that I found myself humming along to was “They Put a Body in the Bayou” (which is probably the best track on the album).
If you like The Orwells, listen to the record. It’s got some decent tracks. If you just like garage rock in general, jam to Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes, and pass Terrible Human Beings by. I doubt it’ll resonate.
FCC: 2, 4, 5
Recommended if you like: Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes
Favorite Tracks: None
