Affixing a label to Lip Critic feels like you’re doing a disservice to the boundless sense of artistry that has made them one of the most exciting bands on the planet. ‘Theft World’ is one of the most tumultuous releases of the year, thrashing out from its beginnings in hardcore to take in a smorgasbord of audacious, defiant genre-blending by incorporating elements of post-punk, electronic noise-rock, and straight up rave carnage.
The fluidity of the New Yorkers’ second album is perhaps best highlighted by Talon, which rides the pulsating instincts of a dancefloor before climaxing with screamo vocals. It’s enough to make you forget what exactly you’re supposed to feel.
But skipping around any preconceptions is a great way to explore the record’s uninhibited euphoria. Album highlight Legs in a Snare is a prime example of the sort of raw energy that could defibrillate an elephant. But, even more chaotic than the sound is the bizarre inspiration behind ‘Theft World’.
Whilst touring their last album, singer Bret Kaser noticed suspicious activity on his bank account and credit cards to the tune of thousands of dollars. As well as splurging at Costco, the scammer bought the Lip Critic discography on Bandcamp.
If that’s not crazy enough, the guy turned up to a show proud that he uncovered secret coded messages hidden in Lip Critic’s music. Instead of calling the police, the band sat down with him to pick his brains and uncover how such a warped interpretation of their work is even possible.
Thus began a deep dive into obsession, fuelling the mind-blowing narrative that drives this batshit album. Shoplifting, a song where a young child steals and believes God has damned him for eternity, is dark, intense and thought provoking, beautifully highlighting the weight of the record.
If they decided to, Lip Critic could easily write a bombastic and pulverising record about putting your bins out, or watching paint dry, but this kind of wild storytelling suits their punishingly exciting sound perfectly.Even if ‘Theft World’ isn’t to your liking, you haven’t heard anything like it before.
Lip Critic Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon June 29 2026 - BRISTOL Louisiana
Wed July 01 2026 - GLASGOW Glad Cafe
Thu July 02 2026 - LEEDS Headrow House
Fri July 03 2026 - LONDON George Tavern
Sat July 04 2026 - LONDON George Tavern
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