By: Carol Simpson

Contributing Writer

Breathe Carolina’s latest and greatest release Savages is an electrifying album and a hit from beginning to end. The eleven-track album features strong electronic beats with fresh melodies, while still carrying the punk edge that keeps Breathe Carolina relevant on the alternative scene.

The first track, “Bury Me,” hits hard and brings the high energy immediately. The dark melody contrasting with the bright rhythms makes it a great song. It’s a great starting point for the album. “Bang It Out” is a fast-paced pop hit featuring Karmin. This one is one of my favorites on the album; it’s also the strongest dance hit on the album. It could be the anthem for any party. If anyone ever wants a summary of Breathe Carolina’s overall sound, this would be the song to listen to. The chorus reminds me of their past hit “Blackout,” which is an old favorite.

The album isn’t only made up of intense dance songs; it also brings a few subtler tunes to the table. “Please Don’t Say” has a guitar intro that brings a Mumford & Sons vibe. The song eventually brings in the synths and electro, but the balance makes it an easy-going song. “Chasing Hearts” is another one of those mellower tunes on the album. “Chasing Hearts” features Tyler Carter, frontman for Issues, and brings an RnB vibe to the album. It’s certainly different from the other songs on the album. It seems a bit out of place, but Carter’s vocals make it tolerable.

The title track, “Savages,” is a clean, pop hit. It’s the party tune that shows that Breathe Carolina is trying to have a good time and bring the good times to their listeners.

“Sellouts” is a rough and tough electro metal hit featuring vocals from Danny Worsnop from Asking Alexandria. It’s definitely another one of my favorites on the album. Breathe Carolina combined dynamic elements to create a great song. The song’s heavy elements resemble Bring Me The Horizon’s Sempiternal sound, but it works, and Breathe Carolina has molded it into something new.

Savages does not only have heart pounding tracks, but also mellowed out tunes to help ease the dance vibe, while still carrying strong electronic elements.

Breathe Carolina hit all of the right spots with this album. It shows growth into a more polished electronic entity. They surely face a big summer ahead on the Vans Warped Tour with this album leading the way. Underrated alternative electro is the only way to describe Breathe Carolina before Savages.

Take a chance and listen to this record, it is sure to catch your attention and will probably make you want to dance.