ALBUM REVIEWS

Album Review: iTCH – ‘The Deep End’

Jake Craney
Latest posts by Jake Craney (see all)

iTCH. For those unfamiliar, what could iTCH be? It might be a punk band, upbeat electro-pop group, or a visceral, opinionated rapper. It could be anything on the musical spectrum, and in fact: iTCH is all of those things and more. British singer/songwriter/rapper iTCH dishes out a bit of everything on his new album The Deep End, which is out on Tuesday.

 

The album features just about everything one could want on the musical spectrum. From Beastie Boys-esque verbal attacks to soaring pop hits, huge dance tracks, punk-tinged rock, sunny nostalgic pop and more. It’s all over the map musically, but quite cohesive thematically and incredibly fun to listen to. Whether it’s the powerful opening track “Life Is Poetry (ft. John Feldmann)” with an unforgettable final minute, or Adam Lazzara’s (Taking Back Sunday) big chorus on “Homeless Romantic,” iTCH comes out firing, showing why he will be a force on this record. He has crafted songs with messages and purpose, all with sing-a-long choruses and incredible variety.

 

“Laugh (ft. Matisyahu)” slows things down with a loose, light track with a completely different vibe than the songs before and after it. “Another Man (ft. Megan Joy)” dials things back to a different decade with a swing-pop feel to it. Megan Joy delivers a fun, throwback chorus to a jaunty 60’s pop song. Did I mention this track follows a song that would fit right in at a Vegas club? It’s hard to keep track of where this ride is going, but it’s definitely a fun ride.

 

Album highlights “Bottom Of The Glass” and “Not My Revolution” follow with addicting choruses and powerful verses. These are the type of tracks that will make iTCH a household name if this album hits enough ears. Less Than Jake bassist Roger Manganelli lends his familiar vocals to “Bottom Of The Glass,” a fist-pumping rock anthem. Singer-songwriter BC Jean contributes perhaps the most memorable hook on the album on “Not My Revolution,” a shimmering radio-pop jam that will have you singing along by the second listen.

 

By the time the album gets to the anthem “Children Of The Revolution,” iTCH has listeners on board and ready to join him in his revolution. The Deep End closes with the rapper showcasing his quick flow with a boucing, synth-heavy chorus on “Ricochet.” “The only weapon I have is a pen and a pad,” spits iTCH as he leaves us with yet another diverse track to add to the collection. This album is creative, unique, and addicting. Blending of styles, sounds, guest stars, and potent lyrics make The Deep End one of the best surprises of the year. Do yourself a favor and stream the entire album HERE

 

Track Listing:

1. Life Is Poetry (ft. John Feldmann)

2. Sun Goes Down

3. Homeless Romantic (ft. Adam Lazzara)

4. Laugh (ft. Matisyahu)

5. Like I’m Drugs (ft. Dani Artaud)

6. Another Man (ft. Megan Joy)

7. Bottom Of The Glass (ft. Roger Manganelli)

8. Not My Revolution (ft. BC Jean)

9. The Deep End

10. Children Of The Revolution

11. Best Shot

12. Ricochet

 

iTCH – “Homeless Romantic”