Cheap Emotion

Hospital Talk

2017-01-23

Local Emo trio Cheap Emotion has been rocking house venues in and around Grand Rapids for a few years now, taking time to record live material and demos between touring and producing the band’s debut studio album, Hospital Talk. This title befits the material, as hospital doors and hospital gowns are mentioned regularly throughout the 32 minutes of gloomy howls from lead singer Devon Cline, accompanied by euphoric wails of Andy Fettig’s horn, bass, and keyboard playing. Mixed modestly in the background lies frantic former drummer Cullen Montel, who left the band after this album’s recording and before its release - regrettably, I might add, as the drum work here is inventive and inimitable.

Characteristic of the emo genre, this album features heavy reverb, deep harmonies, and impactful lyrics that intensify with repetition. Cline’s aggressive guitar playing shimmers over the occasionally fuzzy basslines, and compliments the energy of the vocals, which break up during the more emotional sections. Thematically, this album is melancholy and vulnerable, but not desperate. These tracks may seem simple at first in their lo-fi production, but a few back-to-back listens yields beautiful instrumental gems and a few “a-ha!” moments when analyzing the lyrics.

Cheap Emotion’s new lineup, following their album release show at a Grand Rapids house venue, features a new percussionist and trombone player.

Recommended Tracks - Four Years Older, Managing, So Did I

review by Ben

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 07/2004

    Rachel Goswell
    Waves are Universal

  • reviewed 02/2011

    ALEXANDER
    Alexander

  • reviewed 01/2013

    WILLAMENA
    Lost in the Shadows

  • reviewed 04/2007

    BRANDI CARLISLE
    The Story

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Screaming Females
    Rose Mountain

  • reviewed 05/2015

    Boudoir Noir
    Summer Skin

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.