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.
