Vancouver five-piece You Say Party! We Say Die! has released a sophomore album, Lose All Time, that is a true dance-punk commotion.
The band’s two-part genre consists of a quasi-global sound. A basic concoction of synthesizers and dance-floor rhythms quickly capture listeners’ attention regardless of their country or continent or origin.
On Lose All Time, the quintet has developed its songwriting. Songs contain a noticeable sense of progression. Key changes and tempo transitions allow tracks to unwind from what would have been mediocre results. Even though the album prevents itself from sounding like a looped tape deck, there is a strict distinction between great tracks and ones that fail to make the grade.
You Say Party! We Say Die! relies on Becky Ninkovic’s exceptional vocals to match with Krista Loewen’s busy keyboards. Ninkovic expands her range on “Monster,” “Like I Give A Care,” and “Poison” to balance the lows and mids of her accompaniment. “Monster” is a proper choice for a single. It transcends a swift vibe of catchiness with darkened lyrics and a keyboard-driven melody.
Unfortunately, these same high standards are not present on the rest of the album. A sense of balance dissipates when the vocals take a step back in presence. This creates a power struggle between what should be the lead instrument — guitar or keyboard.
– Adrian Finiak
You Say Party! We Say Die! (Paper Bag)