Unleashing the Waves: A Soul-Stirring Review of Lifeguard’s Ripped and Torn Album!
Meet Kai Slater, the audacious 20-year-old guitarist and co-vocalist of Lifeguard, a burgeoning force in the post-punk scene. This rising star also curates a zine called Hallogallo, a lovingly crafted homage to Krautrock legends Neu! and the punk-infused zines that flourished in the ’80s. Much like the burgeoning Chicago art-punk scene it reflects, Hallogallo is a labor of love, contributing to a vibrant tapestry that includes bands like Horsegirl, Friko, and Post Office Winter.
Lifeguard’s debut record, Ripped and Torn—a clever nod to a seminal British punk zine-captures the same thrilling essence as the zine itself. Cut from a cloth of raw intensity and innovative sound, this album feels like a must-listen for any serious indie rock aficionado. From the outset, tracks like “It Will Get Worse” launch into an exhilarating whirlwind of sound, where lazy guitar riffs collide with cymbal crashes reminiscent of Parquet Courts’ invigorating style. But just when you think you’ve settled into a groove, the tempo flips, driven by Isaac Lowenstein’s jittery drumming and Asher Case’s delightfully simplistic basslines.
Slater’s guitar work is akin to a serrated blade-sharp, atonal, yet deftly restrained when called for. As he croons “no one around here” repetitively, you can’t help but get entranced by the sticky lyricism that lingers like a sweet treat you can’t quite shake off. Midway through the song, he tosses vocals aside for catchy la-la-las, flaunting a confidence that’s nothing short of refreshing.
In a world where young bands sometimes hide behind cacophony and atonality, Lifeguard boldly embraces melody and memorable hooks that pop up like unexpected surprises. “Like You’ll Lose” jolts the listener from monotony into a haunting chorus, while “France And” simplifies itself into an irresistible refrain of two notes and three words: “Oh, oh/I am, I am.”
What’s striking here is how well Slater and Case navigate their vocals, especially their effortless “oh” sounds. Slater’s voice is raw and playful, perfect for the power pop he dabbles in with his solo project, Sharp Pins. In contrast, Case delivers a cooler, icier tone that evokes the ’80s new wave era. Their unabashed confidence in simplicity serves as a compelling reminder that sometimes, the most potent music doesn’t need to be cluttered-just a good vowel will do. So, darling, grab your headphones and immerse yourself; Lifeguard is here to make waves, and you won’t want to miss the splash they create!
Original Story https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/lifeguard-ripped-and-torn/
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