The Life And Times "Suburban Hymns" (DeSoto)
By Tim Den
Friday. Jul 22, 2:05 AM
Innovator of the Midwest sound returns with his best work yet.

(read an interview with guitarist/vocalist Allen Epley here)

(read Al's guest column for us here)

I cannot even begin to describe the transformation displayed on Suburban Hymns. Granted, it’s not the same as Codeseven going from metalcore to ambient pop or Motorpsycho going from thrash to psych prog, but its nature is no less awe-inspiring. Even more impressive, I dare say, because the transformation here isn’t genre or style-based… it’s in the focus. The concentration. The self-understanding. The Life And Times have finally become what The Life And Times always should’ve sounded like.

When guitarist/vocalist Allen Epley broke up the much-loved Shiner to form this new baby a few years back, loyal fans reacted how any loyal fans would: they wanted their favorites back, or at least a replacement similar to what they’re used to. The Life And Times’ debut release, The Flat End of the Earth, was neither a complete departure nor a rehash of Shiner’s mathematical quirky pop… rather, it was a band looking for its own identity, producing some hefty tracks along the way. The reaction was mixed, but I for one liked what I heard and hoped they would keep trying to find themselves. But when all except Epley abandoned ship about a year and-a-half ago, that prospect seemed dim. If Epley and two close friends couldn’t make magic work, what hope did a new line-up have?

Apparently, new blood was exactly what Epley needed. He overhauled his gear, stripped his songwriting of the giant guitars that made Shiner (semi-)famous, put hella reverb on his unique vocals, and pointed the spotlight at the melodies. No more crazy time signatures for the hell of it, no more singing beautifully but inaudibly behind triple Marshall stacks: The Life And Times were now the perfect continuation of Epley’s creativity. Vocal hooks, always his strongest attribute, are no longer held back by busy musical accompaniment. They are the captain of Suburban Hymns, navigating the quickest route into your soul without cheapening the songs. The fact that most of these songs fall under four minutes – but never resort to repetitive choruses – is astounding. But what’s more astounding is the visceral impact of these tunes, all without wielding sonic overload. Picking at his guitar strings carefully and one-by-one, Epley’s echo-laddden playing – combined with GINORMOUS grooves – somehow creates a force field of emotions without ever being “heavy.” It’s like walking in the wilderness in the dead of night: the crisp, wide-open scent of fresh air belying the impenetratable darkness. Weight created by hollow elements: simplicity producing a Colossus.

Suburban Hymns is hypnotic, infectious, haunting, and unforgettable. It sways you like an infant, embracing you in amber waves as you throw your head back and close your eyes. You become a ripple in its current and allow yourself to be dragged into the depths… where luminescence awaits.
www.thelifeandtimes.com
www.desotorecords.com

Tim Den

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