Review: MOVEMENTS - RUCKUS!
Movements’ is a post-hardcore band from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, comprising Patrick Miranda as the lead vocalist, Austin Cressey as the bassist, Spencer York as the drummer, and Ira George as the guitarist. They have been playing together since 2015 and have one EP and three studio albums currently streaming, along with several fun singles. The band's last album, No Good Left To Give, was released in 2020. Leading up to the release of their upcoming album Ruckus! in 2023, Movements released two new standalone singles the year before: "Barbed Wire Body" and "Cherry Thrill."
Movements' latest album, Feel Something, differs from their previous releases. The album is emotionally charged, with tracks like "Fever Dream" and "Deadly Dull" that tug at your heartstrings. Even the song "Nineteen" from their previous album, Outgrown Things, resonates with me. It speaks to the high expectations placed on young people as they grow up, with poignant lyrics like, "I know that happiness is stability, but stability is not a desk job, and I refuse to sacrifice my aspirations for an income and security."
Movements' lyrics often delve into themes of depression, anxiety, loss, and other struggles that the band members have experienced. However, their latest release, Ruckus!, takes a more upbeat approach, with tracks that evoke a sense of optimism and hope.
The album kicks off with the track "You're One Of Us Now". The guitar riff at the beginning of the song is captivating, and Pat Miranda's invitation to "take a seat" and "gather 'round" creates a sense of urgency and importance. The chorus, which goes "I gave my mind and gave my health, It looks like Heaven, feels like Hell, You chewed me up until you finally broke me down", speaks to the deeper meaning of the song. The band puts their heart and soul into the instrumentals, and the lyrics are incredibly catchy. I can't help but nod my head to the slap of the bass in "Killing Time", and the chorus "No one can love me like you do" sticks with me long after the song has ended. The album oscillates between themes of hopelessness and loyalty, making for a compelling listen overall.
"Lead Pipe" is a track from this album that stands out as being a little more intense than the others. It's followed by "Heaven Sent," another pop ballad that is more pleasant to listen to. I feel like this song deviates a bit from Movements' typical style, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's upbeat and enjoyable, and I appreciate that it offers something different from the usually melancholy songs they play. What I like most about "Heaven Sent" is that it tells a new story of being in love, something we haven't heard from Movements before.
"Tightrope" is the softest and saddest song on the album. Although the band is moving towards a more positive note, this song still maintains the band's tradition of creating melancholic music. It's a pop ballad that portrays vulnerability, self-doubt, and the pressure of meeting others' expectations.
“I Hope You Choke” is another favorite of this album. The guitar has a punchy and clear sound, the vocals are reminiscent of the previous albums, and the lyrics are on point. However, I think this song has the potential to be even better with a scream section, similar to the one in "Fail You". It has a tremendous amount of energy, but it is missing a strong and memorable ending. Nonetheless, it is still an exceptional song.
“A.M.P.” is a music track that is characterized by some funky and danceable grooves. This album saw the continuation of the style introduced in "Cherry Thrill," which is similar to both "A.M.P." and "Killing Time." The bass is emphasized in the former, while the latter showcases crisp guitar chords. This track has some of the most intriguing lyrics that evoke mixed emotions of confusion, enchantment, and annoyance. Patrick, the singer, summarizes these feelings by singing the line "You wear attention like it's perfume" & “Nobody knows you but they want to, You know they want you.”
The album ends with two tracks: "Dance With Death" and "Coeur D'Alene”. "Dance With Death" is great, but the guitars sometimes overpower the vocals. The lyrics are impactful and remind me of the heavy topics covered in earlier releases. Although the guitar sounds fantastic, I wish the vocals were more audible during the chorus to help me connect better with the song. "Coeur D'Alene" is the final song on the album. While I enjoyed it, I think Movements could have used a punchier ending to Ruckus!
However, "Coeur D'Alene" does complement the previous track "Tightrope" nicely. The lyrics tell the story of spending time with a loved one and making a vow to stay by their side. It feels like a continuation of the slow ballad we saw in previous albums like “Losing Fight” on Outgrown Things.
Movements’ is a band that has gradually climbed up my list of top five must-listen artists. Circle back in April to find out if we managed to catch their performance while they were in town!
