Album Review: 3OH!3’s “NIGHT SPORTS”

Article by: Jessica Gorrell
Featured image credit: Jimmy Fontaine

It’s been a number of years since we last heard synthpop duo 3OH!3 singing with Kesha about their first kisses, about the complete distrust of promiscuous females, and having double vision, but now Nathaniel Motte and Sean Foreman are back with their latest album NIGHT SPORTS. This album, intuitive and progressive, proves that 3OH!3 has a lot more in their musical arsenal than they’ve let on in previous albums. Traditionally, the duo made a name off of rhythmic melodies loaded with crass sexual humor, but NIGHT SPORTS features a myriad of stylistic changes, ranging from raps to smooth lilting vocals, and adding surprising hints of different cultural influence throughout the entirety of the album.

The album’s first track, “Fire in the Heavens,” kicks off with an echoing of the duo’s long forgotten name, in an attempt to imprint the artists into our minds before being thrown into the rollercoaster that is the rest of the album, which is filled with catchy choruses amusing lyrics. “Mad At You,” which is catchy and upbeat, shows a venture into the realm of JT-esque, boy band pop, while “Hear Me Now” adds a surprising and intriguing Hindi-inspired flavor, complete with a sitar riff in the midst of the chorus.

Tracks like “Give Me Something To Remember,” “Claustrophobia,” and “Hologram” take on a much softer side to what the band is known for and shows that they’re capable of making interesting, catchy, and downright beautiful music sans caustic sexual references and heavily dubbed beats. But, like every musician, it’s necessary to go back to your roots and remember what made you the artist you are today; 3OH!3 doesn’t step too far away from their comedic and entertaining personas on tracks like “7-11” and “My Dick,” and have absolutely no problem remembering the confidence that oozed from every note they recorded on a track called “BASMF.”

This release is an entertaining glimpse at what the duo has been up to these past few years that they have retreated from the public eye. It shows that, as much as the duo knows who they are and how to hold their own, they’re not afraid to venture out and be as ambitious and adventurous as possible with their music. NIGHT SPORTS, released on May 13th, will be supported by a tour through select cities in the U.S throughout July.