© Mariana Belaval
If you can put your signature to Matador Records as a band, it won’t be easy. And so Chicago-based Lifeguard reappeared on our radar when they last month “17-18 In Destructionreleased. The song was the first single since their new record deal and the release of their EP last year. That EP will be released again on July 7, accompanied by a new one under the name Crowd Can Talk + Dressed In Trenches. From this we now get a brand new urgent song with “Alarm” that puts the talent of the trio in the spotlight.
The live version of “Alarm” that appeared on YouTube was recorded with Steve Albini in his studio. If a name like that wants to work with you, then you usually know it’s good. Lifeguard therefore sounds quite dirty with a dark guitar that opens the debates. We hear a certain threat in the whole with a pace that is very tight. Once everything breaks open, the post-punk influences clearly emerge, although a subtle grungy noise atmosphere also remains in the background. The chorus is therefore more catchy, although Lifeguard will not rise above the niche for the time being. You don’t have to, because that way we look forward to seeing the band at work in a dark basement where this music will come into its own.
July 7 release Crowd Can Talk + Dressed In Trenches.
Listen to the singles of the week on our Spotify.
