Ray Hawthorne Delivers Explosive Honesty with Ray Hawthorne Sucks

Review By Halina Parkes

Ray Hawthorne’s upcoming album Ray Hawthorne Sucks, set for release on November 7, 2024, is a heavy-hitting, self-aware, and unapologetically raw dive into themes of self-doubt, chaos, and frustration. The title itself is a tongue-in-cheek jab, but it captures the essence of an album that dives into Hawthorne’s unapologetic approach, combining sarcasm, rage, and brutal honesty into a whirlwind of post-punk, hardcore, and emo influences.

Opening with “Flatline,” Hawthorne immediately sets a frenetic pace that defines the album’s unrelenting energy. Tracks like “Don’t Come Back” and “STFU” are blunt, raw, and infused with a gritty sound that leans heavily into Hawthorne’s emo roots, giving listeners a visceral experience from start to finish. “All My Happy Friends Tell Me I’m Depressed” and “Panic Mode” reveal his talent for pairing intense emotion with biting lyricism, capturing the candid self-reflection that runs through the entire album.

Hawthorne teams up with notable artists like bren on “Shelter” and Kellin Quinn on the haunting “Haunted,” each collaboration adding a distinct layer to the album’s genre-defying style. With its rawness and unpredictable intensity, Ray Hawthorne Sucks is a stark contrast to his debut EP Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This, which was more cinematic and introspective. Here, he’s pushing his sound to the edge, capturing a sense of cathartic chaos that’s equally chaotic and liberating.

Each track, from the aggressive “Burn It Down” to the darkly humorous “Jonah Hill (DEMO),” embodies a rawness that feels authentically Hawthorne. Clocking in with brief yet impactful songs, Ray Hawthorne Sucks is an adrenaline-filled ride and stands out as one of the year’s most brutally honest records. This album cements Ray Hawthorne as a fearless voice in the post-punk and hardcore scene, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.