The title cut offered brief interludes which, although I can appreciate the artistic value of the idea of deception and psychosis becoming an ever increasing factor, seem to belong in another song. A track from the deluxe version: Who We Are came off sounding like a poppier version of The Black Keys' Tighten Up as I became increasingly aware of what this record was trying to do.
It sounded like IM were trying to create pop music, but trapped themselves with the idea they're an indie band. It's almost a ridiculous idea, but Imagine Dragons haven't been 'alternative' since the release of Radioactive - a standard to which they still haven't re-achieved. There is nothing wrong with being a pop artist or an alternative artist, but trying to sit on the fence whilst leaning to one side (as IM are trying to do with S&M) will only have one outcome. Should they write another album, I predict it to be a full blown pop album, without them trying to maintain their alternative reputation (which may I remind you, was set by one or two songs).
This album frustrated me, more than most do, should they annoy me. Imagine Dragons can do better, but they aren't edgy and they aren't alternative enough to continue trying to pass themselves off in that light. The handclaps have to stop. They rely on pop structures to build alternative rock songs (the majority of which I feel as though I've already heard before). It's gotta go one way or another, IM, and please just drop the alternative gimmick.
Or you could write rock music, and please do, because I fucking love Radioactive.
