What If Nothing

What If Nothing- Album Overview

"What If Nothing" is the third studio album by American rock band Walk The Moon, released on November 10, 2017, through RCA Records. This album follows their successful 2014 release, "Talking Is Hard," which catapulted them into mainstream popularity with hits like "Shut Up and Dance." The band, known for their vibrant sound that blends pop-rock with new wave influences, aimed to expand their musical horizons with "What If Nothing." The album features a production team that includes Mike Crossey, who has previously worked with notable artists like Arctic Monkeys and The 1975, adding a polished touch to their sound. The album consists of 10 tracks, with singles such as "One Foot" and "Kamikaze," both of which showcased an evolved sound characterized by a mix of upbeat rhythms and introspective lyrics. Thematically, "What If Nothing" explores concepts of uncertainty, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity, reflecting both personal and universal struggles. Collaborators on the album include producer and songwriter, and the band's frontman, Nicholas Petricca, played a significant role in its lyrical development. The album's style is a continuation of the band's signature sound, yet it also ventures into more complex and mature territories, aiming to resonate with a broader audience while maintaining their core identity.

Review

Upon its release, "What If Nothing" presented a blend of catchy hooks and introspective lyrics that exemplified Walk The Moon's artistic growth. The album opens with "One Foot," which immediately captivates the listener with its infectious energy and anthemic chorus, setting the stage for a collection that balances upbeat melodies with thoughtful reflections. The production is slick and polished, capturing the band's essence while also appealing to a more mainstream audience. Lyrically, the album delves into themes of self-discovery and perseverance, with tracks like "Kamikaze" and "Surrender" encouraging listeners to embrace the chaos of life. However, while the lyrics provide moments of depth, some tracks occasionally veer towards clichés, which can detract from their impact. The overall sound is cohesive, yet at times feels formulaic, as if the band is navigating the expectations of their newfound fame rather than fully exploring their artistic boundaries. Despite these shortcomings, the album does deliver memorable moments that showcase Walk The Moon's ability to create enjoyable and relatable pop-rock.

Highlights

• Catchy and anthemic choruses that resonate with a wide audience.
• Strong production quality that enhances the band's sound.
• Thoughtful exploration of modern themes of uncertainty and resilience.

Weak points

• Some lyrical content leans on clichés, lacking originality.
• Occasional formulaic sound that may not fully satisfy long-time fans.
• Inconsistency in track quality, with a few songs feeling less impactful.

Overall evaluation

"What If Nothing" showcases Walk The Moon's evolution as artists while still delivering the infectious energy their fans adore. Though it faces some pitfalls in lyrical depth and artistic risk-taking, the album provides enough upbeat tracks and relatable themes to make it a worthwhile listen. It serves as a bridge between their earlier, more youthful sound and a more mature, reflective approach. The album may not meet every expectation, but it certainly adds to the band's discography.