In comparison to Combichrist’s previous album, Everybody Hates You, What the Fuck is Wrong With You People? feels more song-oriented, as Andy LaPlegua seems to be stretching his song-craft wings. I’d even dare say that some of the tracks have more of a hook to them than previously. This isn’t to mean that it is not as strong (catchy does not equal ‘sell-out’). Rather, the music and even the lyrics are more ‘in your face’, pushing the formulaic walls of the cross-genres that surround the band. This is something to respect an artist for, that they do not bend over and let themselves be categorized, that instead they explore and incorporate new ideas, not allowing themselves to feel limited. On the other hand, there is some sensibility here: while the growth as an artist is very strong, it isn’t eccentric. You won’t be crinkling your brow in confusion.
The standout tracks (“Electrohead”, title track, “F**k That Shit”, “Deathbed” and “In the Pit”) really show the growth. Yet as a whole the album still leaves room for growth (particularly with some of the ‘filler’ tracks that seem to be there more for the dance factor than for artistry), and I’m sure we can expect that from Mr. LaPlegua in the future.
