LIGHTMARES
DEAR LIFE
TARANTULA TAPES
Sudbury, ONβs very own Lightmares are back with their newest album, Dear Life. Their fifth full-length release follows 2021βs NΓ TOYZ and sees the trio expand their sound within the pop punk genre. The band has partnered with Tarantula Tapes to deliver Dear Life on a limited run of pink cassettes.
βBrother Guitarβ opens the album with a pop punk inspired riff that starts and stops in tandem with the vocals. Still, there is something unique to the track beyond the surface. Firstly, itβs slower than mid-tempo pace, along with a spacious chorus and a dissonant wave of guitar feedback used in place of a solo make βBrother Guitarβ a track that sets the bar for Dear Life.
Dear Life is led by a trio of singles released throughout 2022 and 2023, βBlack Balloonβ, βStick It (No Hard Feelings)β, and βSatisfied Either Wayβ. The former is a more standard, modern punk track with an up-beat pulse that makes excellent use of a bridge and a tasteful cowbell. βStick It (No Hard Feelings)β, on the other hand is driven by a shuffling beat and a spacious arrangement that develops throughout the course of the song to great effect β so much so that it is among the strongest songs on the album. The latter of the three delivers a fuller arrangement through layers of lush guitars and backing vocals, forming a gentle soundscape. Additional highlights among the 12 songs include βBrand New Houseβ, βMake Me A Starβ, βThis City At Nightβ, and βCourtesy For The Shitsuckerβ.
For their fifth outing, Lightmares continue to develop their sound through unique songwriting that separates them from their contemporaries. It is through such that the band successfully branches out from their clear pop punk influences in a way that leans towards modern alternative rock, ultimately making Dear Life their most versatile and most exciting release to date.
Artist Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LIGHTMARES – DEAR LIFE
Gerrod Harris