Album Review: Lil Lotus – Nosebleeder (Epitaph Records)

Nosebleeder is the new, and sophomore album, from pop-punk rocker Lil Lotus, due for release on December 1st, 2023, via Epitaph Records. It sees Lotus use music and song writing as a form of catharsis and therapy, tackling the topics of addiction in the music industry and LA-scene, toxic friendships and unhealthy relationships.

As pop-punk as it comes, but with plenty of rocking rhythms and even more emo-tastic melody, Lil Lotus takes a lot of inspiration from the bands that laid the road for this type of music. All while adding his own stamp on things with his passionate and honest vocals and lyrics.

Pop-punkers will feel right at home with the opening track Blame Me for Everything, as it’s an instant hit of infectious sugar. It’s an instant guarantee of heartfelt pop punk and Lil Lotus lives up to the promises by knocking out more and more anthemic tracks in quick succession. How’s it Feel to Feel Nothing?, and the title track keeping things peppy and dramatic.

The first of several guests then make their appearance, with Lil Lotus being joined by Sace6 on Stockholme Syndrome, for a really powerful modernised rock hit that takes on a more alternative guise. Yet, it’s here that the over-riding issue with the album becomes prevalent, and it’s something that will grow and grow as it goes on. Lil Lotus is a talent, and Nosebleeder is a fine example of pop-punk and rock music as it stands in 2023, but… it’s not that interesting overall.

As things go on, it’s quite easy to find the mind drifting to other things. The urge to listen on begins to dissipate, and the time investment doesn’t feel as worthwhile. It all starts to sound a bit samey, and Lotus’ words just don’t have as much impact. Even though tracks like What A Time to Be Alive, She’s A Vampire, Play Dead, and Everything You Hate About Me are perfectly fine pop punk tunes.

Which is the problem really. Everything is mostly fine, but there’s nothing outstanding and nothing that is going to stay with the listener long term. Even if guests like Alexis Munroe, Kennedyxoxo, and Sophie Powers add much needed variety to certain tracks.

By time Shooting Star’s super melodramatic melodies ring out, most will have mentally switched off. Which is a bit of shame as it’s a sweet and emotive finale. It has just started to feel like such a slog to get to this point, and even though most of the tracks are short, fourteen ends up proving to be far too many. More killer, less filler, please.

Lil Lotus – Nosebleeder Track Listing:

1. Blame Me for Everything
2. How’s it Feel to Feel Nothing?
3. Nosebleeder
4. Stockholme Syndrome (ft. Sace6)
5. What A Time to Be Alive
6. Ghost (ft. Alexis Munroe)
7. Missouri
8. Millionaire (ft. Kennedyxoxo)
9. She’s A Vampire
10. Hailey’s Comet
11. Play Dead
12. Everything You Hate About Me
13. When Life Gives You Lemons (ft. Sophie Powers)
14. Shooting Star

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