Brief Lives - s/t - Download (2009)

Labels: self released
Review by: MH

I stumbled across this band recently. Four tracks of DC-flavoured post hardcore that also have a Jawbox and Quicksand influence. In fact, I’d be shocked if Quicksand in particular are not one of their favourite bands as their influence really stands out on this demo. The first song even briefly sounds like that song that starts “Turn your face down, it’s your chance to meet the man”…what’s that one called again? Pretty sure it’s “Supergenius”. Anyway, it then does its own thing and it’s a great start. The vocals have a bit of Ian Mackaye’s style about them and the riff repeated throughout really packs a punch accompanied by a pounding rhythm section. Then comes “The Drift” which goes full throttle with that rhythm section firing. The last two songs show them slowing things down but still with tight riffs, hooks and teetering vocals. Really good demo – 4 very good songs that I have been playing to death lately. This has been kicking around since the end of 2009 so let it never be said that I am any more than 3 and a bit years behind the times. There is another EP on their bandcamp from 2011 and just when I thought I had all their influences pegged they have gone and done a cover version of Ride. I am completely sold on this band on the strength of this demo. It’s been a while since I’ve heard a band pull off this sound so well.