Album Review: Death Of The Trap by NEW SHOPPE
In the murky depths of electronic music, where noise and hardcore collide, NEW SHOPPE’s 2016 release Death Of The Trap emerges as a chaotic yet strangely compelling artifact. Released under H.V.R.F. CENTRAL COMMAND and Antifur Digital, this Croatian project is not for the faint-hearted. It’s abrasive, unapologetic, and pushes boundaries in ways that feel both intentional and raw. If you’re into experimental sounds that challenge your eardrums while keeping your brain engaged, this album might just be your next obsession.
The tracklist reads like a cryptic manifesto, with titles such as "Crucifixion and the Digital Resurrection," "Reborn," "Antidote," and "Fallen Down." But it’s the standout tracks—"Crucifixion and the Digital Resurrection" (yes, it appears twice) and "808Mafia"—that stick with you long after the last beat fades. Let’s break it down.
"Crucifixion and the Digital Resurrection" hits hard right outta the gate. Its industrial clatter and distorted synths create an atmosphere so dense you can practically taste the static. There’s something oddly cinematic about it, like a dystopian soundtrack for a film that doesn’t exist yet. You find yourself wondering if it’s supposed to feel oppressive or liberating—and maybe that’s the point. By the time the second version rolls around later in the album, it feels less like repetition and more like evolution, as though the song has undergone its own digital metamorphosis.
Then there’s "808Mafia," which somehow manages to balance chaos with groove. Don’t get me wrong—it’s still noisy as hell—but there’s a rhythmic pulse beneath all the layers of distortion that makes it oddly danceable. It’s one of those tracks that sneaks up on you; at first listen, you might think, “What even is this?” But give it another spin, and suddenly you’re hooked. That bassline? Yeah, it lingers.
One thing worth noting is how cohesive the album feels despite its jagged edges. Tracks like "Antidote" and "A Memory" bring moments of relative calm, almost acting as breathers between the sonic onslaught. Still, they never stray too far from the overarching theme of tension and transformation. This isn’t background music—it demands your attention.
Reflecting on Death Of The Trap, what strikes me most is its refusal to conform. In a world obsessed with polished production and predictable structures, NEW SHOPPE opts for disarray and unpredictability. Sure, it won’t appeal to everyone, but that’s kind of the charm. Listening to this album feels like stepping into someone else’s fever dream—a little unsettling, but undeniably fascinating.
And here’s the kicker: I couldn’t help thinking about how this record would’ve sounded live. Imagine being in some dimly lit Croatian club, surrounded by strangers losing their minds to these punishing beats. Maybe that’s the true essence of Death Of The Trap—not perfection, but connection through chaos. Who knew noise could feel so human?
