Cursive "Get Fixed" - Album Review

This Omaha, NB band have stood tall among their emo rock peers since the early 2000’s. Their most critically acclaimed outing “The Ugly Organ” (2003) saw them adding unique touch of theatrics to their sound with the addition of a cello player. Later on replaced by a horns section, follow ups have been notably low profile until the band’s comeback record (2018’s Vitriola) landed after a brief hiatus.

An album which showed them reinvigorated, and that momentum continues on Get Fixed

Like in Vitriola, the angst filled songwriting by Kasher continues full force with his harsh views on society– more so solitary in its hopelessness rather than revolutionary. This is carried by menacing rumbling guitars, bizarre chord changes, to the theatric aesthetics credit to their Cellist Megan Seibe. The strings add much band’s sonic palette, and is especially exquisite when it plays the same riffs as the guitars. Songs like "Marigold" and title track “Get fixed” sounds like haunting orchestra to a fantasy horror musical, while "Horror is a Human being" and “Content Conman” brings back their post hardcore days with its distortion and tantrum filled drumming.

My takeaways would be mostly in terms of lyrical content. If politically charged Rock n' Roll, by which I don't mean the "Let's stand for what's right" energy fueled type you get from the likes of Rage against the Machine, then there might not be much for you to relate to on here. Its more solidarity than revolutionary. While Cursive tackles their subjects tastefully, too much of it can still sound.. well whiny. As they attempt to open your eyes through your ears to be conscious with modern society's issues, but never provide any suggestion for a solution or acknowledge any steps in the right direction for a better tomorrow.

Even if you don’t fully grasp its darker subjects, Get Fixed stays a compelling and enjoyable listen. There’s a unique charm in Kasher’s jaded vocal delivery on top of such inventiveness in the music’s arrangement. Get Fixed is a cohesive album that presents you both ugliness and beautiful at the same time, while offering plenty of food for thought.

Favorite track: What’s Gotten into You?

-Lamar Ramos

Best Track: What’s Gotten into You?

Verdict - 3.8 out of 5

-Lamar Ramos