Cliffdiver is a band that I've been very excited for a full album release. Ever since I discovered them from the fun song title "The Water Temple Is Filled With My Tears and Now I Am Drowning in Sorrow", then listening to their endearing and heartfelt interviews, and finally them adding the powerful Briana as another lead singer; it's been a snowball of hype just building.
I am pleased to say that the hype was worth it and Exercise Your Demons has delivered on all fronts, plus some. It's an album with an arc, starting with the decent into turmoil, then rising through it and coming out ok. It's that empathy and hope they provide that really hit it for me. You can tell the intention is to be a beacon for those listeners that are struggling with their demons and to tell them it's ok we are here with you and you will get through it. To me, it's like they are hugging you through music and it's just... warm feeling. This is the best way I can describe the mess of things I feel when listening to Cliffdiver.
All this heavy material is played through an elevator emo pop (as they coin it) lens. There's so many elements at play with the music, you get some ska with the prominent saxophonist, pop-punk song structures, hardcore breakdowns, and those fantastic emo song titles (like "Who Let The Hawgz out?"). I also loved how the last song "IKEA strikes back" pays homage to an earlier song of theirs "Lost in IKEA".
Let's not forget the great artwork for the album either. It's actual demons doing workout exercises within a picturesque countryside background. Love the literal imagery!
Overall Exercise Your Demons had me laughing, headbanging, and crying; sometimes within one song. If you want a wholesome and energetic album that makes you feel things and gives hope then please give this a listen. I'll finish this post with a quote from Joey: "You are loved, you are valid, and you are worthy of love" :)
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Highlighted song and lyrics:
New Vegas Bomb ft. Skatune Network - "My body made it to 33, brain stopped at 22"
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Similar bands to check out:
Prince Daddy and The Hyena, Signals Midwest, Oso Oso, PUP
*Great bands with album releases this year
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Reviews and links to check out:
Floodmagazine.com- Review
Good Noise Podcast- Interview with Briana and Joey
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