REVIEW: We Weren’t Invited - “Killjoy” Single
Chicago’s We Weren’t Invited has unstoppable momentum in 2023, with four song releases and an EP. On December 1, the band showed no signs of slowing down, unleashing their fifth single, “Killjoy,” teasing that it’d be the first offering from an upcoming EP.
While the group’s 2021 debut ballad, “Me + U = Heaven,” remains their most popular track on Spotify, “Killjoy” shows listeners a different side of We Weren’t Invited. This heavy-hitter shatters any assumptions that the band is confined within the walls of bedroom pop and makes room for metallic mayhem.
Vocalist Johnny Wynne guides the track’s rhythm with simmering intensity. Delivering a poised but defiant, “Sorry, I’m not who you want me to be,” he then explodes into gritty screams of catharsis. So, if you’re looking for sweet harmonies, you may want to look elsewhere. Although vocals usually dominate the spotlight, the robust instrumentation and infectious “killjoy” chants shine just as brightly throughout the song. Wynne’s voice is strong and aggressive, but the dense, textural layers make this single memorable and audibly sculpt its tumultuous theme.
An absolute highlight of the track is the guitar solo toward the end. The intricate string work is a melodic thread weaved with flawless precision, which feels like a serendipitous discovery, given the chaotic nature of the song. The solo is guaranteed to captivate the attention of anyone who appreciates the art of shredding.
Though the studio version of We Weren’t Invited’s music smolders with heavy metal sparks, their live shows are where they set the stage ablaze. The group is known for their explosive performances, and the video above proves they’re (literally) not afraid to play with fire. Adding “Killjoy” to their arsenal will undoubtedly ignite a mosh pit at the band’s next show.
Photo by @orange_jpeg
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