Artist: Ben Katzman’s DeGreaser
Album: Quarter Life Crisis
Rating: Rocking Relatable
There is very few albums where the song titles alone are absolutely relatable and you get the overall tone of the album based on the titles. Ben Katzman’s DeGreaser’s latest album, Quarter Life Crisis, does just this.
Produced by Colleen Green, Quarter Life Crisis is an album that millennials and others that have lived through a quarter-life crisis can connect with on a spiritual level.
Katzman, a former member of Guerilla Toss and White Fang, uses his roots as well as inspiration from musicians such as The Ramones, Kiss, and Van Halen to create the sound heard on the album. These influences are very evident, while also maintaining his own sound.
Each song is about a different topic, although all fit under what those dealing with a real-life quarter life crisis go through. Every song has Katzman’s signature sound, but he tries his hand (and succeeds) at mixing up styles and sounds. To some, the loud vocals and instrumental shredding may sound angry, but those who are around the age of 25 can understand the angst that is being set free in the music and lyrics.
Songs by most bands tend to be at least three minutes long; however, many songs on this album are much shorter. “My Sugarmama is a Scientologist,” for example, was only one minute and 46 seconds, and it felt cut off at the end. This cut off may have been intentional and definitely adds to the unresolved feeling of being 25 years old and not having it all together. However, many of the songs leave listeners wanting more and do not feel complete.
Overall, this album is a must-listen for anyone who is 25 or is approaching that age. It is relatable in both the lyrics and the feeling of the instruments. The album is the music version of the Quarter Life Poetry Instagram account and book.
