Posted on: April 22, 2009 Posted by: John B. Moore Comments: 0

Proving loud and beautiful can coexist, Missouri’s Life & Times has been able to live up to the hype surrounding their 2003 EP. The trio, including former Shiner founder Allen Epley, manage to sound a lot bigger than just three guys. Tragic Boogie, the group’s latest full length, though not perfect, is still a solid step in the right direction. With its swirling guitars and light industrial feel (Think My Bloody Valentine with a lot more restraint), the record manages to flaunt influences as diverse as Sunny Day Real Estate, Jawbox and the aforementioned My Bloody Valentine. You can even hear a band look the Foo Fighters in a track like “Let It Eat” (a moodier Dave Grohl, but Foo Fighters nonetheless). The album drags a bit in the middle, but the varied influences are a blessing, saving the band from getting too bogged down in the same sound. Though not for everyone, with elements of ambient to math rock, “Tragic Boogie” is bound to find an audience.

Top Tracks: “Let It Eat” and “Fall of the Angry”

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Life & Times – Tragic Boogie / CD / 2009 Arena Rock / 12 Tracks / http://www.goodfriendsrecords.com

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