Band line-up changes is similar to a difficult divorce, for both the fans and musicians. The fans may feel lost and confused about the direction of their beloved band, and also scared of the possibility of the band never being as promising as it was. The musicians may worry about their future, their own individual career goals, and about how their fans will feel if the band completely deteriorates. This concept is dramatically exacerbated if the line-up change involves a crucial member of the band -usually the primary lyricist/songwriter(s) or the vocalist(s). Losing and/or dropping a key member to the band’s function and success could be career-altering and have devastating consequences if said member’s replacement does not live up to their predecessor’s legacy.
Vancouver punk-rockers, Living With Lions, faced this dilemma head on, recently replacing not one but two vocalists in a not too broad span of time. This drastic change in line-up is usually the most difficult for a band and their fans, seeing that the vocalist is perceived by most as the face and voice of the band. This setback did not bring Living With Lions down. After much consideration and mutual agreement that bringing in a new musician wasn’t the best idea, the band agreed to put longtime guitarist/lyricist Chase Brenneman out of the shadows and into the spotlight as lead singer. Living with Lions’ latest line-up change seems amicable, as per Brenneman in his August, 2012 statement: “I’m excited to get a chance to sing the lyrics I’ve written over the years”.
The now-four-piece band will be releasing a three-song EP (their latest release since Brenneman took over vocal duties), Some Of My Friends Appear Dead to Me, on July 9th through Pure Noise Records. The release is sure to bring LWL out of the rut and into the light once again, as a band that can overcome much strife and still create art.
The roughly ten-minute EP begins with its most upbeat and melodic track, "Scarred". The song is where we first hear Brenneman step up to the plate as lead vocalist, and the result is shocking -in the best way possible. Brenneman wows everyone with his beautiful vocal range and tonality. "Scarred", whose lyrics include the EP’s namesake, features stunningly intricate guitar work, on Brenneman and guitarist/vocalist Landon Matz’s parts. The repetitive guitar arpeggios and the vocal harmonies alongside them that lead up to each chorus is utterly bone-chilling. Top that off with the building intensity of Brenneman’s vocal quality and dynamics just as the song is about to end with another round of that irresistable guitar work, and you’ve got yourself a strong hit, or a song that’s pretty jam-worthy for a road trip.
"My Winter Vacation"'s focal point is in the catchy, summer-y vocal style, particularly with how you’ll be singing, “My home away from home is the place where you live”, and, “Goooo home”, for days on end. The swift shifts in rhythm keep the listener at bay. "Between The Lines" starts off with these pounding drums accompanied by a head-bobbing bass line -thanks to Loren Legare and Bill Crook, respectively. The song then breaks into a huge semi-grunge-y, light punk rock anthem with the incorporation of each instrument all at once straight in the introduction. About two and a half minutes in, the band halts and reverts back to the bass solo from the beginning, accompanied by a singing/talking style done by Brenneman that is reminiscent of something found on Taking Back Sunday’s 2002 record, Tell All Your Friends. The striking rhythms and singalong-worthy melodies make this track the most pop punk of its kind on the EP. The song ends almost exactly how it began, with Bill Crook rounding things up on the bass.
Line-up changes suck. Going through lineup changes with frequent vocalist adjustments sucks even more, as the process changes the sound and face of the band. Living With Lions set an example for struggling bands with this hardship, and rose above trying times in order to keep their dream alive. Some Of My Friends Appear Dead To Me proves that Living With Lions has moved beyond what held them back, musically and creatively speaking, and is ready to take on a new chapter in their band’s history.
Tracklist:
1. Scarred
2. My Winter Vacation
3. Between The Lines
RIYL: Taking Back Sunday, Ten Second Epic, Call The Station (ex-Nothing To Lose)
Rating:
Written by Melissa Jones
