Imaginary Enemy is the sixth studio album from Utah rockers, The Used. Imaginary Enemy is undoubtedly an departure from the band’s early days, taming their signature anarchy charged sound into something sleeker. That being said, The Used have still maintained the raw honesty their lyrics have been famed for for the best part of the last decade.
The album draws in influences from across the musical spectrum: it really does have something for anyone and everyone. Strong elements of electronic are manifested on tracks such as ‘Cry’ and ‘El-Oh-Vee-Ee’, while ‘A Song To Stifle Imperial Progression (A Work In Progress)’ gives off an undeniably funky, toe tapping feel. And then there’s the captivating spoken-word section at the end of ‘Force Without Violence’ which gives the track an almost apocalyptic feel.
Title track ‘Imaginary Enemy’ is another pacy number, with an opening verse containing subtle jazz influences, and a chorus that will have you jumping around your bedroom, screaming the words at the top of your lungs. Fast forward to track number nine, and you’re delivered a track that is every inch a song by The Used: ‘Kenna Song’. This is the album’s big ballad; it’s emotive and heartfelt, the kind of track that vocalist, Bert McCracken‘s voice lends itself perfectly to.
The album’s closer, ‘Overdose’, is yet another slow, plodding number. The track is a sickly sweet singalong on the surface, with a hint of melancholy in there for good measure. The Used’s sixth offering is everything a listener would expect from an album of their’s. Dark in the right places, fraught with unrelenting energy in others, and jam-packed with emotion, honesty and sincerity.
Imaginary Enemy is a stupendous offering which has undeniable appeal to firm fans and could be the album that introduces a whole new generation of music lovers to the music of this iconic band.
