More and more we are graced the opportunity to stumble upon bands that continue to cherish the ethics of creating sincere and genuine music for our listening pleasure. Within recent years, it appears that there seems to be a rise in musicians who tune out from playing in heavier bands and embrace emotional influences that prove to be a breath of fresh air. This holds true for example to Portland, Oregon's indie punk powerhouse, For the Life of Me. As we tread forward towards the end of March, the band is planning to release an emotional and heartfelt masterpiece that will sweep you off your feet. Leading up the release of their upcoming EP. Clousre, the band released two fantastic singles that peer into the craftsmanship of the group; introducing listeners with a solid sound that combines the traditional aesthetics of modern emo with an explosive indie rock physique.
One of the first singles of this EP, Eleven, kicks things off with a explosive and distorted build up that spontaneously chimes in with a soft verse that reminisces parallel similarities with bands like Daytrader and Balance And Composure. As Lee's vocals crack into the first chorus, you could almost visualize yourself listening to a younger Jesse Lacey in his prime of transitioning from Deja Entendu to The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me.
Musically and lyrically TV In My Head, Part II, is a song that definitely reminds me a lot of the song Oak Square (by Make Do And Mend). The main theme of this song (just like Oak Square) speaks of the anxieties of our youth dealing with the grueling task to live up to the expectations of how to strive forward in society. With its solemn melody piercing through you halfway through the bridge, this is a song that definitely hits close to home, providing listeners with a sense of hope to guide them from the shadows of doubt. TV In My Head, Part II is a song that will help you let go with all of your stress and anxieties that life tends to throw your way. Hooks like, "I want to be everything in the news may say I'm not/Because these suit and ties through glass won't define the path I walk", and "I don't want to live 'The American Dream'", come to mind as words you could hold close to your heart as you raise your fist in the air with your head held high; knowing that no strict one-lined career path can define who you are.
It is incredible to listen to a band that helps introduce many ideas and interpretations of their work after a few dozen listens. For The Life Of Me proves to be a genuine band that provides listeners with an honest perspective of who they are as individuals and where they see themselves a few years down the road. Closure appears to be a fitting title for this release, solely because these are songs that I can foresee to help listeners take on their daily struggles with a shoulder to lean on. There is not doubt that For The Life Of Me is is an upcoming band that promises to carry the torch for sincerity for many aspiring emo artists to look up to.
Tracklist:
1. Eleven
2. TV In My Head, Part II
3. Winter Sleep
4. Sung Out Of The Blue
Rating:
Written by Ryan McGrath
