Local Review: The Apathetics — Toxic States

The Apathetics
Toxic States
3944457 Records DK
Street: 05.16.2026
The Apathetics = Slam Poetry + The Soundtrack of Guitar Hero 3

I’ll admit I may be a little biased here when I say that these guys rock, but then again that’s exactly how I know they’re the real deal. 

In an interview I did with The Apathetics earlier this year, they told me point-blank that they do not care what people think about their music; they care that they’re having fun doing it… and that’s exactly what Toxic States is: fun.

Now I know that may be ironic to say about an EP that tackles issues like social injustice and government corruption, but I’ll be damned if this album doesn’t make me want to get up and dance (or as close as this gangly idiot can get to dancing.) 

I think the strongest title here is “Terminally Ill,” but it’s a close race with “Cannibals” and “Mr. Freeze (The I.C.E. Age)” keeping such a furious pace. I would say this is the case mainly because I think the lyrics are the strongest of the three. 

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), times of such intense political toxicity tend to create a ton of great music. I mean, look at the Vietnam War for god’s sake. Nearly every song that came out of it became a triple platinum.

That said, I think it’s just a crowded room, and unless you’re doing something truly unique it is easy for lyrics to become social platitudes more than statements. But I think the message still stands, and every piece against social injustice is another small bit of inspiration to a larger cause, which is good. 

“Terminally Ill” explores the theme of love (I know I’m kind of hitting an about face on what I just said about popular genres) and explores the idea of having to tear yourself apart in order to create an image of yourself that is palatable to the ones you love… or is it? I think it’s an interesting idea and it gives the listener something to chew on lyrically while they’re served this pop-punkish naughties-style rhythm. 

As for “Cannibals,” it’s like I said: nothing you haven’t seen before. I think it’s loud, fast and fun, and the lyrics are digestible enough that you don’t really have to give them a second thought, which is probably the best someone can hope for when it comes to songwriting. What I mean to say is it’s not a thinkpiece, but they’re not something you would pick out because it sounds ridiculous. We’ve all been listening to a song where you hear a lyric that makes you go “What did he just say?” This is not that. 

Pretty much everything I said about “Cannibals” can be applied to “Mr. Freeze (The I.C.E. Age)” as well, but like I said it’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially when you’ve got something that is so strong musically. 

Overall I think that this is a solid EP, and it’s a fitting addition to an already very solid catalogue. Is it a thinkpiece that scholars will be talking about for generations? Perhaps not, but if you have been paying attention then you’ll know that is not what it is about; it’s about whether or not it makes you want to dance, and whether or not the boys in The Apathetics enjoyed making it, which it sounds like they did. 

Like any good curator, I will offer you a pairing for this album; PBR, about 40 of your pals, a very loud speaker, and a garage. Oh, and on that note, RIP Poseur Palace. —Cam Elliott

Read more from Cam Elliott:
Getting Hyped for Hyphafest
Localized: Punks & Punchlines

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