Review
Past Lives
Strange Symmetry

Suicide Squeeze (2008) Michael

Past Lives – Strange Symmetry cover artwork
Past Lives – Strange Symmetry — Suicide Squeeze, 2008

The hiatus and eventual breakup of The Blood Brothers in 2007 left many of their fans heartbroken. But honestly, with as many musical outlets as the members have had over the years - Head Wound City, Neon Blonde, Jaguar Love, etc - I didn't really expect them to last that much longer. After the demise of the group, members Jordan Billie, Mark Gajadhar, and Morgan Henderson teamed up with original guitarist (from the band's first EP) Devin Welch in Past Lives. Strange Symmetry is the band's debut EP.

Knowing the history of Past Lives gives you an idea of what is to be expected over the course of these fives songs. Had I not been familiar with the artists involved I may have been more surprised with the end product. This isn't to say that Strange Symmetry is bland. Leading off with "Beyond Gone," Past Lives offer up dramatic and moody song driven by mostly-placid rhythms, playful keys, and rather sparse guitar melodies. Additionally, Billie is more reserved in his vocal delivery, working with spoken word and soft harmonies. Rather than going obvious route and blasting the listener out of the gate, Past Live surprises with the first offering.

The title-track follows and is more upbeat; Past Lives makes use of angular guitar riffing and dancing rhythms. It's easy to recall the members' previous venture on this song; and while Billie's delivery is in line with what we've become accustom to, the absence of Johnny Whitney's screeching is also quite noticeable, but not disappointing.

Things get even more caustic on "Skull Lender," the guitars become even more enraged and the drumming is more fierce. It's a slight regression to the early screamo influences and yet there is still infusion of straightforward songwriting, and restraint from total chaos. "Reverse the Curse" teeters on edge of disarray for the bulk of the song and when it does finally let go, it's not much. I found it to be a bit of a letdown considering the end result. "Chrome Life" concludes the EP in a Hot Snakes-inspired jam, but with that Northwest swagger we've come to love from these musicians.

Strange Symmetry is a good start for Past Lives. The obvious comparisons had to be made, but I think with more distance between the breakup of The Blood Brothers and future recordings, Past Lives will be able to become an entity of their own. Letting go is difficult and time will heal those wounds.

7.0 / 10Michael • April 13, 2009

Past Lives – Strange Symmetry cover artwork
Past Lives – Strange Symmetry — Suicide Squeeze, 2008

Related news

Past Lives Post New Song

Posted in MP3s on November 18, 2009

Past Lives To Enter Studio

Posted in Bands on June 16, 2009

Past Lives Tourdates

Posted in Tours on March 6, 2009

Advertisement

DCxPC 2025

Recently-posted album reviews

Detention

Dead Rock ‘N’ Rollers
Left For Dead Records (2024)

Life ain’t so easy in the detention home- Dead Boys. Emerging from the underbelly of Jersey, made up primarily of three brethren. Raised on rock and roll and sipping from the chalice of early punk rock stalwarts like Da Bruddahs from Queens, Hey Ho! and the Pistoleros of Sexual Nature screaming banshees from across from the large pond. Thus forging … Read more

Nightfreak

Nightfreak
Big Neck Records (2024)

Semi-feral punk outfit NightFreak are back with a self-titled LP filled with breakneck riffs and 70s metal bombast. The Chicago group haven’t slowed down since 2022’s Speed Trials but they have filled out. NightFreak the album is lousy with warm back beats and melodic guitars; although, hardcore vocals and tight drums still reign supreme. Album opener “Blackout” is dead serious … Read more

Death By Unga Bunga

Raw Muscle Power
Jansen Records (2025)

I’m pretty sure I became aware of Mike Krol when The Whiffs posted about playing some shows with him. Krol is a bit of an anomaly. Not only is he on Merge and collaborates with Mac Superchunk- a dream scenario imo- but he’s also been elusive of my fan boy attempts at cold dm’ing him about stuff even tho we … Read more