LOS ANGELES — After much anticipation, Chase Atlantic has finally dropped their third studio album, Beauty in Death, and it’s nothing short of a dark, surreal, and electrifying ride.
With its signature blend of alternative R&B, hypnotic beats, and raw lyricism, the album delivers an emotional rollercoaster of addiction, mental health struggles, and self-destruction, all wrapped in seductive, genre-bending production. Despite its heavy themes and explicit lyrics, Beauty in Death proves to be one of the band’s most refined and deeply personal projects to date.
A Chaotic but Captivating Opener: “Paranoid” and “PLEASEXANNY”
Right out the gate, “Paranoid” sets the tone for the album—moody, intense, and unapologetically honest. The song delves into substance abuse and the anxiety that follows, vividly portraying a bad drug trip and the paranoia of addiction. The contrast between dark lyricism and high-energy production makes it one of the most compelling tracks on the album.
Following up with a similar theme, “PLEASEXANNY” explores the sedative haze of self-medication. The lyrics paint a haunting relationship between anxiety and prescription drugs, reflecting on the numbing effects of Xanax abuse while simultaneously acknowledging its consequences. The song eerily blurs the line between comfort and chaos, making it one of the more introspective moments on the album.
High-Energy Chaos: “Out the Roof” and “Slide”
The pre-released “Out the Roof” is pure adrenaline, a track that exists solely for the thrill of excess and indulgence. Lead singer Mitchel Cave revealed it was written in a single night, and you can tell—it’s a raw, reckless anthem that thrives on its energy rather than depth.
Meanwhile, “Slide” takes a darker yet equally intoxicating approach. Exploring themes of substance abuse, self-destruction, and toxic relationships, the track feels like a spiraling descent into the world Chase Atlantic often paints—one of euphoric highs and crushing lows. Fans have drawn parallels between “Slide” and 2019’s “Heaven and Back”, seeing this as the internal perspective of addiction rather than the outsider’s view.
The Title Track: A Sinister Companion to “Her”
As expected, the title track, “Beauty in Death,” is one of the standout moments on the album. With upbeat production masking its somber themes, the song tells a haunting story of a girl drowning in self-destruction, numbing herself with drugs, reckless spending, and fleeting pleasures.
Many fans have connected “Beauty in Death” to “Her” from the Phases album, as both songs depict a woman consumed by indulgence and emotional emptiness—but this time, Chase Atlantic explores the story with even more depth and emotional weight.
The Party Tracks: “Please Stand By” and “Aleyuh”
Not every song on Beauty in Death carries introspective weight—some tracks are pure party energy, and “Please Stand By” is one of them. Featuring De’Wayne and Xavier Mayne, the track lacks deeper meaning but delivers an undeniable, high-energy banger that balances the album’s heavier themes.
Similarly, “Aleyuh” is a fast-paced, carefree track that leans into seduction, relationships, and excitement. Though not the strongest track on the album, it still serves its purpose as a fun, energetic escape.
A Melancholic Turn: “Molly” and “Call Me Back”
Things slow down with “Molly”, a hypnotic, dreamlike track with ambiguous storytelling. Mitchel Cave has stated that the meaning of “Molly” is open to interpretation, whether it’s about a person or a substance. Either way, the song carries a nostalgic sadness that lingers long after it ends.
“Call Me Back” is one of the most sobering moments on the album, drawing comparisons to “Angels” from Phases. The track explores desperation, emotional dependence, and the feeling of being abandoned when you need someone the most. Unlike “Angels,” however, this song carries a deeper sense of hopelessness—a cry for help that goes unanswered.
A Devastating Climax: “I Think I’m Lost Again” and “Empty”
Perhaps the most heartbreaking song on the album, “I Think I’m Lost Again” is a brutally honest depiction of depression and self-isolation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of losing yourself in darkness, with fame and personal struggles compounding the weight of mental illness. It’s a moment of raw vulnerability, reminiscent of 2017’s “Ozone” in its reflection on the downsides of success.
Following that, “Empty” carries similar themes of relapse and escapism, expressing a longing for something that never truly existed. Released as a surprise drop ahead of their throwback livestream, “Empty” serves as one of the album’s most stripped-down, gut-wrenching tracks.
The Grand Finale: “Wasted”
Closing out the album is “Wasted”, a song that encapsulates the themes of addiction, self-destruction, and emotional detachment that have been woven throughout Beauty in Death. The song is an ode to alcoholism as a coping mechanism, where the recognition of the problem doesn’t necessarily lead to a solution.
It’s a chilling, cyclical ending, reinforcing the album’s core message—sometimes, we recognize our own demise, but we don’t always stop it.
Final Thoughts: Beauty in Death Is a Genre-Defying Triumph
Of all Chase Atlantic’s releases, Beauty in Death feels like their most evolved and self-aware album yet. While still marketed as alternative, the album blends R&B, hip-hop, synth-pop, and rock influences, proving that the band refuses to be boxed into a single genre.
Though some tracks serve as mindless party anthems, others delve into the depths of mental illness, addiction, and emotional detachment, making for a beautifully chaotic, deeply immersive listening experience.
For both longtime fans and new listeners, Beauty in Death is well worth the listen—if not for its intricate production, then for its ability to make you feel something real.