Indie Music Album Reviews

Creatures of Habit - Are You Chest In Or Chest Out?

10/31/2022

Creatures of Habit

Are You Chest In Or Chest Out?
self-released; 2022

By Matt Jensen

I always like a good comeback story and that’s what you have with Creatures of Habit. A decade ago three high school students, Matt Santellanes, Will Maillet and Zakk Glass, started a metal band. As with most high school bands, after a few years of writing music and playing shows, they graduated, each went their own way, and ended the band. All three continued to master their crafts as musicians, songwriters and music producers. Ten years later they met back up to jam and decided to put their talents together once again and release Are You Chest In Or Chest Out?

The album felt like it was built on a foundation of pop-punk although they do a great job interjecting a number of different styles. They get going with “OG Dirt Flat Top” which starts with an electronic 808 like kit and synths. The song literally swells into a different genre. They sounded tight and I was impressed by their technical skills especially the drums and bass. The vocalist is expressive and to the point where I was struggling to make out a lot of the lyrics. That being said he shows some range here. At the lower octaves I had no problem making out the words.

“1v1 Recycling” is a solid song all around. The vocalist nails this song and I was able to make out a lot more of the lyrics here. I liked the mix of pop-punk and metal on this song. The dancing guitar work, thunderous drums and steady bass work was really well done. There’s also a couple of brief breakdowns. It’s a powerful song considering the energy alone.

“Aww Shucks” is next and possibly the most single worthy song on the album. This song had memorable melodies the first time I heard it. It felt like an anthem that people might sing along with. The band continue to display their range in terms of dynamics.

“Keep Me Closed (All The Ways)” starts with one of the best grooves on the album. It’s more in an alternative style associated with indie rock. The song blossoms and similar to other songs it’s a powerful song with intense energy that rarely lets up.

“That Seems Pretty Intrusive” is very different from the previous song but not out of place. This song revolves around acoustic guitars, atmosphere, emotive vocals and other subtle elements. They keep the energy low here which invites a sense of melancholy and pensive thought. “Lil Ghost Fingers” was interesting and sort of the mid level energy song and also one of the catchier songs that gets more intense and distorted as it progresses.

“The Second Ice Is Always Better Than The First” is a good one. I picked up on post-rock vibes which I always thought had a nice marriage with pop-punk. Last up is “Steve Sharpy” which is an exceptional close. The band seems to have an infinite amount of riffs and quickly change in a moment's notice.

The band sounds in tip top shape. Their technical skill is undeniable and when combined with their creativity and musicality everything comes together. The cross pollination of genres was also well done which I thought by the end of the album created a signature sound. Take a listen.