MTV has unleashed many horrors upon the world: all the variations and spin-offs of The Hills, casts of the Real World that are actually pretty fake and immature brats on My Super Sweet 16. One of the only good things to come out of the network was the band Cartel, whose previous album was produced in Band in a Bubble. Once merely remembrance of the emo-pop phase, Cartel has returned with a new album, Cycles, with the desire to remain relevant.

The lyric, “Let me reintroduce myself,” begins the album and first single “Let’s Go,” is a generic anthem. Although the opening line promises a new beginning for the band, there is no evident change in sound. The track fizzles, unfortunately, along with most of the songs on the album. The only difference between Cycles and their previous work is a lack of their trademark catchiness. Lead singer Will Pugh’s vocals tend to be on the verge of yelling, which wouldn’t be as annoying if all the songs hooked you in. Unfortunately, this is not the case and most of the songs can be repetitive. Even the album’s softer songs such as “Only You,” which should offer some variety, fall flat.

It is difficult to tell if the album would be stronger if it were released two years ago. In light of the current music environment, it simply seems dated. An evolution in sound would help, but the record is everything we have heard before, only not executed as well. In the end, Cycles serves no purpose other than nostalgia.