LetLive - Fake History

Wed 6th Jul, 2011 in Music Reviews

Los Angeles ferocious crew LetLive have been carving out a reputation for themselves on the LA hardcore scene. This album is essentially a re-release for their new label Epitaph. Three brand new tracks have been added to Fake History, these include Hollywood, And She Did, Lemon Party and the Brett Gurewitz produced track This Mime [A Sex Symbol]. Their broad range of influences has subsequently opened their style up to an array of genre-bridging sounds.

LetLive are a high-intensity and thrashing band armed with a big sound that all come together bringing a new, progressive style to the hardcore scene. The first notable song is The Sick Sick 6.8 billion, a wild and loud track that boasts ferocious delivery with thrashing tenacity and a passion that seems unrivalled. This is essentially the shortest and most radio-friendly, sitting behind the introductory Le Prologue. In a similar vain, Renegate 86’ attacks with veracious vigour and Enemies [Enemigos] shifts between large cathartic screams and melodic vocals by front man Jason Aalon Butler, along with some down-time for effect. Muther begins with lulling atmospherics before breaking into an onslaught of rock, and later it breaks down into an intriguing light melody. This lengthy song showcases the band’s abilities in eclecticism, spanning over five minutes, the song lifts, falls and enthrals.

Homeless Jazz is high octane and sprawling, an intensely energetic track and We The Pros Of Con has Jason pedalling his melodic vocals in between screamed lines. H. Ledger alludes to the late, great actor, and begins with cathartic screams before quickly ascending into mayhem. The lyrics don’t seem to be linked with the man himself, but who can tell except the band members themselves. Over Being Under continues the tradition of emotional intensity and the splittingly heavy charm. It is a song laced with anger and belligerent lyrics, and also armed with unconventional progressions , after a long spurt of rockin’ out, it closes with conviction.

Hollywood, And She Did is a highly engaging performance by the band and this addition is both remarkable and enthralling. Lemon Party begins with a light acoustic rhythm and moves into light rock musings, while the woah-oh’s kick in and this song is evidently both melodic and likeable. This Time [A Sex Symbol] is a departure from the rest of the record, and having been laid at the end of the album, it serves as a reminder that LetLive are a band never content with the norm, consistently pushing the barriers and bridging genres to create music that is witty and different.