badXchannels – “WHYDFML” [EP] [Album Review]

If you’re curious about what Craig Owens (of Chiodos, DRUGS, Isles & Glaciers, Cinematic Sunrise, The Sound of Animals Fighting) has been up to as-of-late, oh BOY have I got the answer for you: after announcing the re-breakup of Chiodos (a shock to literally NO ONE), Owens is back with his newest project, badXchannels. If you are expecting this to sound anything like DRUGS or other projects, go ahead and disabuse that notion right now. This album sounds NOTHING like previous Craig Owens.

BadXchannels’ sounds like a lot of the ‘crossover’ bands we’ve seen coming out of the alternative scene in recent years, blending R&B/hip-hop sound with the ‘scene’ aesthetic—we’ll call it “Emo Hip-Hop” (is that a genre yet?!). Regardless, this album features no shortage of 808 hits and rolling snare, with Owen’s voice as the focal point. While his vocals sound great, the lyrical content is generic and lackluster at best.

WHYDFML is fairly short, with only five tracks. I am *admittedly* not a fan of the sound of this album, but I can see why it may appeal to some. On the whole, it does not offer listeners much to work with. Perhaps a full-length release from badXchannels would offer more lyrical depth and variety of sound, but only time will tell. For now, check out WHYDFML if you enjoy listening to Craig Owens’ decidedly angelic voice, or the ever-emerging genre of “Emo Hip-Hop”.

WHYDFML Track Listing:

01. I. One Car Funeral
02. II. You Know I Will
03. III. Dottedxlines
04. IIII. Complicated
05. IIIII. Same Thing Everyday

Run Time: 20:48
Release Date: November 18, 2016

Check out the song “I. One Car Funeral”