Cheap Tricks and Theatrics
Get Scared · 2009
20 min · 6 tracks · alternative rock
A chaotic blend of post-hardcore energy and emo vulnerability wrapped in theatrical melodies and sharp lyrical wit.
Top tracks — play these first
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If Only She Knew Voodoo Like I Do — This track captures the album's blend of catchy hooks and darker themes, showcasing the band's knack for storytelling through vivid imagery.
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Lock the Doors — With its driving rhythm and impassioned vocals, this song exemplifies the post-hardcore influence that defines much of the album's sound.
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The Blackout — The closing track offers a climactic blend of intensity and introspection, wrapping up the album with emotional weight that resonates deeply with listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, establishing a distinct sound within its genre.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a rapid-fire drumbeat and layered guitar riffs, establishing an energetic tone that persists through the EP.
- Vocals alternate between melodic singing and aggressive shouting, creating a dynamic contrast within each song.
- The lyrics often employ sharp wit and vivid imagery, enhancing the emotional impact of the music while maintaining a theatrical flair.
- The final track features a gradual build-up that culminates in an explosive climax, effectively closing the EP on a high note.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady energetic flow throughout
- short bursts of emotional release
- head-nodding rhythm for commuters
- sarcastic humor in lyrical content
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive albums
- seek soft, mellow soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 2009, Cheap Tricks and Theatrics was Get Scared's debut album, marking their entry into the alternative rock scene. The band was building momentum after forming in 2007 and began to carve out a niche within the post-hardcore genre through this release.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sleeping with Sirens· Pierce the Veil· The Word Alive
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Setting Yourself Up for Sarcasm 3:26
- 2 Lock the Doors 3:30
- 3 The Finer Things 2:59
- 4 If Only She Knew Voodoo Like I Do 3:13
- 5 You Are What You Are 3:13
- 6 The Blackout 4:03
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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