Lifelong - "Above The Waves" Album Review


In 2020 the hardcore scene seems to be thriving and putting out some of the best material that 2020 has seen thus far and Lifelong are no exception to that. After surprising fans with their lead off singles "Above The Waves" and "Empty Roads" the band showed off two sides of this record which flow and blend perfectly from catchy pop punk hooks and aggressive hardcore tunes, making this one of the most entertaining releases of the year thus far.

When the band arrived to the scene the band's more aggressive leaning "Revive The Masses" wowed fans with their faith based rallying hardcore tunes reminiscent of bands like Comeback Kid, Stretch Arm Strong, Altars. The band's debut release continues on with the same vibe while also adding it's own unique touches which aids the record to give the listener a well executed full throttle drive of melodic-hardcore glory.

Former Confide members Joel Piper and Trevor Vickers really stepped up their game here as the record was a learning experience for both members and the time that they took to expand their craft and mold it into something enjoyable is to be commended here as the hooks on this record really pop off and the more aggressive leaning moments are worthy of a near by mosh pit. (If only we weren't all stuck inside because of a virus but yet I digress)

The opening track Not The Same is a short but sweet number that really gets the listener amped up for a good time; and as it fades into No Regrets we get an aggressive in your face moment that doesn't let up.

Empty Roads is an outstanding moment which gives off a more melodic vibe with it's hardcore structure mixed with the clean vocals from Joel Piper. Above The Waves is a summer song if I've ever heard one, and the hook on this track is ace and with the rallying "So I'll keep my face above the waves, and the time we take will not be for nothing" is infectious.

Death To Life will give fans some of that "Revive The Masses" vibes as well as Iron Gates, and Drifting.

With Drifting being the outright shining moment on the record as it's infectious hook along with some brilliant vocal registers from both Trevor Vickers and Joel Piper making this the perfect track to end the record off on.

"Above The Waves" is simple. the record feels like a long drive and once the drive is over you feel compelled to get back on the road with the windows down and cruise to some well thought out hardcore and pop-punk tunes, and while you're at it maybe stopping off at a local punk venue reliving the glory days of punk rock while Lifelong plays on stage and a sense of nostalgia hits you.

The record is a summer record that should be on everyone's radar because the band have really nailed this vibe hard and it's safe to say that the band have a very promising future ahead of them. - Samuel Cook

Our rating: 4.5/5
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA

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