Body Bag is such a great lead single for the new I Prevail record. I haven't seen any song that is as much like them as this is, and I have high hopes that this is a sign that their upcoming record will be them at their best, honing in even more on the sound they established with TRAUMA.
This song alone features a surprising amount of genre-fusion, which is something we already know them for. Their blend of metalcore, rock, rap and electro-pop elements has been amazing since TRAUMA, and I'm excited for more. That aside, it is surprisingly heavy, and I love them even more for it.
The moment the intro riff comes in, you already know they're about to get pissed. After Eric's screams and Gabe's drumming enters as well, we are in full angry mode, and the lyrics absolutely match the energy. The verses are fast-paced and relentless, the growls are low and the screams are intense.
The chorus fits surprisingly well. I know they have their formula for these kind of pop-structured metalcore songs, but a clean chorus that can smoothly follow up on such a ruthless verse's intensity is commendable. It is quite catchy too, although it's nothing surprising from them. This is where they excel after all, their home territory in a sense. It's fun that they decided to end the chorus with another brutal scream and a beautiful line, "Oh my god just shut your fucking mouth". His scream there is crazy, by the way, I have to point out.
The drop out and slam into the next verse is so well executed, and the second verse is wildly different. I like that they switch up the vibe entirely, different vocal rhythms, different dynamics, different everything, yet it feels like the same song. When they go back into the chorus again, they also throw in some variations, which always makes the song more interesting.
Their breakdown subverted my expectations wholly. It felt so much like a traditional buildup to a traditional breakdown, but they went with a fast-paced double time riffdown that works so well, especially when they rerun it with some ridiculous double kicks. Even during this, they still keep kicking up the pace like they're building up to something even bigger, and then they drop into this second section of their breakdown that has slowly become my favourite part of the song. The electronic buzzy synths create this really cool slow-mo/low-gravity vibe, and Brian comes in with some really tastefully delivered lines. I'm especially in love with how the vocal rhythms are enhanced by the accompanying synths and drums, it sounds wild.
There's really nothing to top after the breakdown, and the final chorus and outro is nothing crazy, but it wraps up the song nicely and, tadah, it's a banger. Angry, relentless, intense, yet unique and in their own style. It's fun to listen to, it's absolutely headbangable, it's perfect.
Rating: 4/5