Album Review: Lifetime - 'Lifetime'

There's not much that can be said

about Lifetime that hasn't been said before. Their melody friendly approach

to hardcore came at a time when negativity was all the rage and 

good song writing had taken a back seat to violence and apathy. After

releasing what is widely noted as being their best album (Jersey's Best

Dancers), Lifetime decided to call it quits, but in 1996 the band re-grouped

for a few shows and fortunately for us they decided this reunion was

to be somewhat permanent. 

Although “Lifetime” was released

in March of this year, this review is to celebrate the fact that Melbourne

lads Boomtown Records have been able to secure a local deal for this

great record... and just in time for their tour! 

If you've never heard Lifetime

but you're a fan of Taking Back Sunday and Saves The Day then you're

going to be in for a shock. Why? Because as great as those bands are

it's abundantly clear that their riffs have been handed picked from

New Jersey's finest. This isn't a diss on groups that are influenced

by those that have come before them (hell, even Black Sabbath were inspired

by someone) but I'm highlighting just how influential Lifetime have

been on an entire generation of punk and hardcore kids. 

“Northbound Breakdown” is

the perfect way to start a punk record. It's fast, the riffs are catchy

and the chorus is as memorable as anything else I've heard in 2007 and

what's most impressive is that after a decade Ari Katz voice still sounds

amazing. “Airport Monday Morning” is no frills punk at its finest

and once again proves that a band doesn't need technical proficiency

to write a great song. Did I mention that the chorus is fucking gold!? 

Say what you want about Pete Wentz

and Fallout Boy, but the dude was kind enough to sign Lifetime and in

turn, give us another punk rock classic. Buy it, learn the words and

go sing-a-long when they hit your town in December!

1. Northbound Breakdown
2. Airport Monday Morning
3. Just A Quiet Evening
4. Haircuts And T-Shirts
5. Can't Think About It

   Now

6. Spiders In A Garden
7. Yeems Song For Nothing