When the X Ambassadors released their single “Jungle” during the 2014 World Cup last summer, I fell in love with their gritty, pump up sound that made me feel like marching down the street with pitchfork and torch. Last week, they released their first full-length album with executive producers Imagine Dragons, and they paved a path for continued success in the music world.
In 2012, Imagine Dragons introduced the world of rock to an anthem-like sound that had teenagers belting out musical notes in beat up pickup trucks all around the nation. While their sophomore album disappointed most, they showed their musical talent as the X Ambassadors’ executive producers, helping cement their legacy in today’s world of alternative rock.
The X Ambassadors aren’t the puppets of Imagine Dragons by any means, but the musical comparisons are defined by the heavy beats and synth-rock sounds that echo throughout every track on “VHS.” Imagine Dragons even show up in “Fear,” and Jamie N Commons, one of my favorite vocalists, is featured on “Jungle” and “Low Life.”
The album has a nice diversity of styles ranging from the war-like anthem “Jungle” to a pop-rock, Maroon 5 sound in “Gorgeous,” showcasing Sam Harris’ vocals that rip through the sound waves.
“VHS” isn’t perfect though. It suffers from some repetitive songs such as “Hang On,” “Feather” and “Superpower.” The band’s lyrics aren’t too complicated or metaphorical, but they carry a lot of weight for their simplicity.
The band highlights the anxiety of the looming low points in life because “what comes up must come down,” and they express the inner struggles of viewing oneself in “Low Life.” The album’s interludes make an interesting touch but don’t add much in terms of lyrical substance or meaning.
In a musical era where musical singles rule the wavelengths, the X Ambassadors have the potential to continue their newfound success.