'What if Nothing' review: Walk The Moon attempts new sound

Walk The Moon released their latest album "What If Nothing" on November 10th, 2017. Known for their indie rock/pop sound since their first studio album in 2012, the band has grown in popularity over the years. Having produced hits such as "Anna Sun", "Tightrope", and "Shut Up And Dance", most people have heard at least one song from them. I have been a fan of Walk The Moon since seeing them open for Panic! At The Disco in 2014. I must say, though, I have only really enjoyed their first album. I was interested to see what they produced this time around. Overall, I would say this album is not nearly as good as what they have done in the past, and I would dare to say they keep producing less quality music.

My main issue with this album is there is no real depth to it at all. The lyrics don't seem to produce any significant theme or message, they are very superficial. I can tell the band tried out more of an electronic sound than they have in the past, but I personally preferred their old sound to whatever this is now. The songs are slower in general, the only one that sounds remotely like something they have done before is "One Foot", and I don't usually like the single more than the rest of the album. I also see hints of them sounding somewhat like Alt-J, but they don't do a good job of it. The song "Sound of Awakening" shows this attempt at a new electronic sound, but it's just substandard. It's mostly a bunch of slow, auto tuned talking. The album never really finds its groove, it never sets a mood. It's very hard to get into. Honestly the only songs I can really tolerate are "One Foot", "All I Want", and "Feels Good To Be High", because those sound the most like their best music, in my opinion.

Even though I consider myself a Walk The Moon fan, I do not like this album. I understand that bands want to try out different sounds, but this album just seems thrown together and lazy, to be honest. I also know they are capable of producing incredible music, as their first album is one of my favorites of all time, so it isn't easy to give them a negative review. I hope in the future they either stick to the sound they are good at, or work harder at this electronic sound. I would also like to see some more upbeat songs on their next album, because "What If Nothing" is kind of a drag.