Review
Poppy's sixth studio album, "Negative Spaces," dropped on November 15, 2024, courtesy of Sumerian Records. With this release, Poppy plunges back into her metal days, skillfully weaving together her iconic genre-blurring techniques. Former Bring Me the Horizon producer and keyboardist Jordan Fish lends his talents, crafting a sonic journey that’s received much applause for its consistent fluidity and dynamic nature.
Diving headfirst into the heavy, "Negative Spaces" delivers intense metal tracks like "They’re All Around Us" and "Surviving on Defiance,” blending the furious energy of Slipknot with the captivating magnetism of Spiritbox. Meanwhile, tracks such as "Vital" channel an Avril Lavigne-esque essence, infused with Fish’s production flair. Then there is "New Way Out," which throws industrial-core into the mix, topped off with vocals reminiscent of David Draiman. It's a bold mix that keeps you on your toes.
What truly separates this album is its effortless genre-shifting. Numbers like "Crystallized" dabble with a sprightly synth-pop mood, resonating more with The Weeknd's style than typical metal. Conversely, "Hey There" lifts you into a hypnotic haze, offering a gentler contrast to the otherwise relentless intensity. Poppy's lyrical depth surfaces alongside these innovative sounds, examining themes of self-doubt and motivational battles, while her vocal prowess enchants and terrifies simultaneously. Critics couldn't get enough—"Negative Spaces" stands as one of 2024’s catchiest metal statements, cementing Poppy as a bold trailblazer in the ever-evolving music scene. - Karl
