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Album Review: USS – New World Alphabet

Full disclosure: I have been a fan of this band from the first time I heard “Hollowpoint Sniper Hyperbole”. I was intrigued hearing Djs introducing the track by Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker! They still feel new to me despite a few albums under their belt. I felt the need to examine this one as their career continues and their fan base continues to grow unabated.
“Work Shoes”
If you haven’t heard this track yet, then you must have been living under a rock! It’s a bit of rock and a bit of alt and there’s hard as hell tone under that brings it all home!

“Who’s With Me”
Right now, this is my favourite track on the album. It took me a while to connect with this one. It’s got elements of fun, depth, meaning and brings it all home with what I’d call a bit of a reggae tone running through (at least in my head). Don’t try to paint my rainbow gray indeed!

“Domino”
This one is intriguing and different. It brings out a slightly different side of the band. A surprising track that grows on you with each listen. Human Kebab’s scratching on this track is strong and subtle. Ash’s guitar and vocals on this are spot on.

“California Medication”
Beach Boys meet modern. A flow track that brings you in and lets you glide along it with no effort at all. Like so many USS tracks this one starts off with you liking it and ends up with you loving it. That medication would make your experience in this song just a little better!

“Alien”
I’d call this the most standard “USS style track”. I thought this one called out to their back catalogue. Not a bad thing at all. It’s important to maintain their band brand in their music and this is a solid reference.

“Us”
I heard this track at a show back in 2016 when they were just trying it out. Played well then and plays better now. Ash always manage at least one heart wrenching song with each release and this is that track. You know that feeling. It’s life and it digs in and exposes the nerve.

“Broken Smile”
Another “big sound” opening and goes off well LOUD! This is one of those tracks that takes a pile of elements and works them to the max. The quiet moments build to the energy release and you can feel it.

“Vulcan”
Star Trek or Alberta? This one caught me off guard on first listen because I was looking for some surreal soundscape from outer space. Instead it brought that surprising hit to the heart. Really deep feeling and a light touch on the music.

I would love to hear your feedback on all of it in the comments!

Larry Lootsteen

Music is life and I love to write about all things music. Independent music blogger. Writer in general. I am a big fan of alternative and indie music but there's no genre I haven't found something to like.

Larry Lootsteen has 630 posts and counting. See all posts by Larry Lootsteen

3 thoughts on “Album Review: USS – New World Alphabet

  • I’m with you, with you Alan. My son played Hollow Point or 3 Purple Butter lies and I was hooked. I’ve seen them in Hamilton and at the Danforth and they kill it! There is so much energy in the band and the audience gives it back tenfold. Ash, Jay and Matt, USS is going to be huge!

    Reply
  • Nothing but love for this album and these guys. The most talented and humble people I’ve met. Their shows leave you wanting more every time!

    Reply
  • I’ve seen them 18 times since 2009 and I plan to keep seeing them. Every song on the new album has grown on me. I love them all as much as I love the band. ❤

    Reply

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