Evolution in the music world results in one of two things: fame or infamy. Life Long Tragedy have slowly grown from a group of young individuals writing blazing, punishing, and angst-ridden metallic hardcore jams into a group that has honed their craft to construct cathartic, brooding, and dark songs that blur the definition of hardcore music, all while maintaining a connection to the genre. Certainly it is fame that awaits this group of five friends called Life Long Tragedy.
The beginning track to Runaways, "Call it a Day," is a fitting indication of what is to be heard throughout the entirety of the album. Life Long Tragedy delivers a two-minute cut that blurs the line between the band's apparent hardcore influences and less apparent ones beyond the hardcore world. Before I go any further I must commend the guitar work of the duo of RJ Phillips and Jeremy Gallegos; their maturity as songwriters is quite remarkable as it showcased here and throughout the album. "Collecting Dust" quickly follows as the two act as a great one-two punch.
"Hey Death" is the first standout track of the album, though all the songs are worth noting. Musically, the song is a bit faster than the two previous numbers. But it is the lyrics of Scott Phillips that truly shine. Just reading along as he screams his lungs out, one can't ignore how genuine his feelings are.
Hey death, I don't know much and this may sound trite / But what the fuck is wrong with my life? / My broken generation, we fantasize of being washed out with the tides / And I'll miss my memories, but they've always been behind me / And looking forward, I doubt that many more are coming / Hey do you ever wonder why you're alive? / Just think, right now might be your time / Time to die / Hey death, I'm a fucking mess / Can you stop this beating in my chest?...
"Andromeda" takes things back to the dark and brooding style that the band has slowly been evolving towards. The driving riffs and the rhythm section of bassist Cody Sullivan and drummer Jason Woolery really create a mood of despair that matches the lyrics. "Harm" is a nice pick-me-up with its infusion of melodic guitars and sing-alongs. "Ignoring Lessons" continues the faster-paced side of things, hinting at the band's past recordings.
Musically speaking "Masquerade" could very well have been an early Isis song. If one focuses solely on the music, there are stunning similarities with the big sweeping riffs and the pummeling drums; on the other hand there is a metal-ish guitar solo thrown in, which we all known Isis would never have done. Life Long Tragedy pushes on with "The Bottomless Hole," another track that sees the back moving further away from their hardcore background and delving deeper into the experimental metal world. This is easily my favorite track of the album and if things continue down this direction I am even more excited for the band's future.
"Sweet Innocence" appears in re-recorded form following their split 7" last year with Final Fight. Being this is likely one of the earlier written songs for the album, it perfectly fits the timeline between the band's progressive Modern Life is War-esque sound and their evolution towards an even more experimental hardcore band.
"Youth" and "Liars" both hit with a combination of Woolery's fast-paced drumming and blazing riffs supplied by Phillips and Gallegos. These definitely bring the band's 90's hardcore influences to the forefront as one listens.
"Runaways" is an ideal closing track that moves along at a plodding pace as the song begins. Phillips screams out over the music as guitar melodies are interjected into the music. Half way through the music falls out and a build up begins. Phillips' vocals become the focus once again and in the background the music slowly creeps up until they are both at full force.
Runaways is the first hardcore album of the year to really jump out and scream, "Take notice." If the masses are smart enough to pay attention to those yells, they will take notice of a group that has grown into a force that cannot be stopped.
