Lip Critic - Theft World

Lip Critic thrive on sensory overload, and 'Theft World' pushes that instinct further than ever. Inspired by a frankly unbelievable origin story - a fan stealing frontman Bret Kaser's identity after "discovering" hidden messages in the band's music - you might question the logistics (mate, call the bank?!), but as a conceptual launchpad, it's gold. It’s also wildly interesting, the kind of idea that feels too ridiculous not to follow through.

What follows is a record that interrogates notions of authorship. Ideas are lifted, twisted, reassembled, pulling from digital culture and the blurred line between influence and outright theft. Across the tracklist, obsession mutates into addiction and identity fractures under pressure. The result feels like a hall of mirrors where every reflection is slightly bonkers.

Dual drummers lock into a relentless rhythm while blown-out electronics and serrated guitars grind against each other. Tracks like 'Jackpot' and 'Talon' lean into feverish industrial textures, while 'Legs In A Snare' spirals through obsession and 'Charity Dinner' offers another rare point of entry - still wired and twitchy, but with a hook that cuts through.

Underneath the abrasion sits a sharper critique. Addiction, digital overload and the commodification of desire all bubble up through grotesque imagery and pitch-black humour. Ridiculous? Absolutely. But it more than lands.