HELLRAISERS, Part 1

Released in May 2021, HELLRAISERS, Part 1 marks the first installment of a multi-part debut studio album project from the Los Angeles-based trio Cheat Codes. After years of dominating the singles charts with hits like 'Sex' and 'No Promises,' this record represents their effort to consolidate their sound into a cohesive long-form statement. The album is notable for its heavy reliance on collaborations, featuring a diverse roster of artists including Tinashe, Bryce Vine, and Marc E. Bassy, which allows the trio to pivot between dance-pop, R&B, and even slight alt-pop influences. Sonically, it stays true to the 'tropical house' tag that defined their early career but updates the palette with 2020s digital clarity and more complex vocal arrangements. Critically, it was viewed as a successful transition from a 'singles act' to an 'album act,' proving their ability to maintain a consistent vibe across eleven tracks without losing the high-energy appeal of their radio hits.