CD Review

All of the members of Kansas City’s The Life and Times have come from several emo and indie-rock bands which would immediately give listeners the sense of listening to someone’s side project, or a mish-mash formed from the fiery demise of too many bands to count – essentially creating yet another rock cliché. But by listening to the songs on their first feature length release on DeSoto records, you’ll discover some intense, inspired anthemic rock; rock of the sort that probably hasn’t been heard in nearly a generation. “Coat of Arms,” with its pounding drums, earnest lyrics and power chords besides being one of the standout songs on the album, might remind avid audiophiles of “October” and Boy-era U2 while songs such as “Muscle Cars,” “Charlotte St.,” and “A Chorus of Crickets,” present the suburban experience with its ennui, and frustration with visceral colors.

As a trio – Allen Epley (vocals and guitars), Eric Albert (moog and bass), and Chris Metcalf (drums) – The Life and Times manages to create a rolling, dreamy crescendo of sound that often inspires a moody sort of navel gazing and meditation, without seeming overwhelming or pompous. What you see is what you get – and what you’re getting is absolute sincerity. And often with the case of sincere, earnest songs some of the lyrics are a bit clumsy but, there are gems to be found, usually within repeated spins. Epley’s voice can seem to the more astute listener to be a bit oddly disaffected and lacking much in emotional range; but Epley does it extremely well. Metcalf’s drumming alternates between pounding like the clap of doom and creating oddly syncopated rhythm which gives all the songs a powerful and unforgettable insistence. Although admittedly, the drum work on a few songs sounded extremely similar, and lacking some originality. And when Albert gets on the synths, it creates and instills an underlying dark mood. Overall, their musicianship is tight and incredibly focused. Every note has a meaning, a purpose.

Despite some minor issues that can after repeated listens become endearing, the Life and Times’ Suburban Hymns is an amazing album and perhaps one of the most sincere albums you’ll listen to this year.