It’s been five years since the release of ‘Low Teens’, an album that seemed to thrust Every Time I Die into much deserved limelight and now fans are gagging for more, 16 tracks more. The band have always had a wholesome fan base but ‘Low Teens’ seemed to gain attention like no other that saw the band amplify their tours from headline shows to support slots, enable them to do more than just tour their asses off – from art to book releases, wrestling to music collaborations, as a long time fan it was pleasing to see the band get the full attention they deserve.
With the ongoing hell that is the pandemic combined with political unrest and for us UK fans, our “oven-ready” Brexit, December 2020 really does feel like another life time ago but that’s when Every Time I Die released their first single off ninth studio album ‘Radical’, produced by Will Putney (who also worked on career high ‘Low Teens’). The band have spent the last year teasing us with 4 other singles along with a brilliantly executed music video for ‘Post-Boredom’.
Although the pandemic was a massive blow for musicians and pushed many bands creatively to release politically-inspired music (such as Fever 333’s fiery ‘Wrong Generation’ EP), Every Time I Die’s album was apparently finished early 2020, yet despite this the album is still incredibly on-point. “Spare only the ones I love, slay the rest”. Every Time I Die have always loved an audacious lyrical opener and it works every damn time. Fifteen seconds in and you’re already preparing yourself for what will be a rollercoaster of emotions and chaos.
Over the years has seen the bands mood shift from party vibes to a darker place lyrically, although their live show remains one of the most inclusive and lively places to be, this shift in tone exhibits personal growth, questioning ones existence and curiosity. This album is the perfect response to the chaos that has dominated the world over the last few years, it feels more politically motivated and emotionally deeper, somewhat grief-stricken.
Although known for being a lyrical mastermind Keith’s vocals on the political ‘Planet Shit’ are more outspoken, honest, just straight to the point as he screams “fuck you, die” and what will inevitably be live show fan favourite that’ll see bodies flying, arms pumping and the words “fuck you, die” screamed right back at the band.
The album fearlessly slithers from Josh Scogin’s rugged vocals on ‘All This And War’ to the delicate ‘Thing With Feathers’ which features Andy Hull from Manchester Orchestra. The track marks the half way point and the only point you’ll have to catch your breath before diving back into the fast-paced ‘Hostile Architecture’.
‘Radical’ sees the band explore new territory and it’s done with such dexterity, such passion, such angst. This album is filled with twists and turns, a band that pushes themselves in a way that feels creatively familiar yet original and intriguing. Where other bands may have vocals or riffs that carry an album Every Time I Die prove over and over again they are the whole package. Guitarist’s Jordan and Andy continue to evolve together in a way that doesn’t make the band feel like a one trick pony but in a way that feels matured from earlier albums yet doesn’t discard their earlier influences and roots. Tracks move from almost industrial beats to nimble harmonies to neck breaking action. It’s captivating to see both guitarists flourish together and be so versatile.
As the album progresses and we step deeper into the private mind of Keith there’s recurring themes and almost a common hurt we’ve all felt at some point over the last year and half – a torn world, a struggle to live, just wanting to survive, just wanting to be heard. One track that hits hard is ‘Desperate Pleasures’, which still feels very apt since it first surfaced in December 2020 and as Covid still rips through the country the lyrics “The world made us sick, how can it heal us” can’t be repeated enough.
Every Time I Die are known to keep their tracks short and sweet and this album is no different. 16 tracks may have sounded ambitious but after one listen all you’ll want to do is put it on repeat. Don’t let the pink radiant cover and title trick you, this album is a ferocious collection of songs.
Radical is out October 22nd via Epitaph Records.
https://everytimeidie.net/
Tracklist:
1. Dark Distance
2. Sly
3. Planet Shit
4. Post-Boredom
5. A Colossal Wreck
6. Desperate Pleasures
7. All This And War
8. Thing With Feathers
9. Hostile Architecture
10. AWOL
11. The Whip
12. White Void
13. Distress Rehearsal
14. sexsexsex
15. People Verses
16. We Go Together
