Bad Copy

Curse Words, the pop punk powerhouse hailing from Washington DC, returns with their latest offering, It Was the Cursed of Times. Although this isn’t as strongly a concept album like some of their previous work, the album still presents a strong space theme.

It Was the Cursed of Times crafts an intriguing blend of catchy hooks, driving guitars, and gang vocals that transport listeners to another universe, but one that’s eerily relatable to our own. The fusion of pop punk and space opera elements adds a unique and refreshing twist to their sound. The band’s ability to infuse interstellar themes into their music without compromising the raw energy and intensity of their punk roots is commendable. The album opens with an original spoken word, setting the scene, like a narrator to introduce a film. A voice over cosmic synthesizers states:

“A plagued allegiance to the timeline, Never united to the deadline. A divided, repugnance from which they stain. And so they shall be. A petulance to devour god. But not you. No! You are immovable, and you will be unstoppable. A flame deluge from the obsidian mountains majesty as embers wave in vain. Feel me not as a river destined to the void, but as rock, sand, magma, towering shears, forever scorn. Liberate me, and justice may fall…”

Similar style interludes like “The Eighties” and “Bugging out in the Wormhole” continue to add atmosphere and provide a break from furious power chords. The gritty, anthemic tracks like “Igneous” remind me of early Iron Chic if Iron Chic had been obsessed with space exploration. The relentless pace and infectious gang vocals make this track an instant crowd-pleaser, sure to ignite mosh pits and sing-alongs at live shows. The harmonies and the intricate guitar work give the song a memorable quality, showcasing Curse Words’ songwriting prowess.

“Fist Fight Father Time” was another standout hit for me. It reminds me almost in equal parts of Latterman and The Copyrights. It’s pretty safe to say that Curse Words would appeal to 90% of The FEST crowd. It’s raucous orgcore with just enough nerdy special interest to round it out into something unique and special.