It’s been almost six years since Chicago’s Life’s Question burst onto the scene with their 2018 release Cursed the Will to Dream. Over the next few years the quintet honed their sound. Finalising this journey with their 2022 debut full length World Full Of… What comes next is their upcoming EP and Flatspot Records debut. The self-titled, six track release sees the five piece push the boundaries of the Life’s Question sound we have grown to love.
When it comes to hardcore it’s become rather cliche to use a phrase like ‘maintaining their signature style whilst bringing in new elements’. While somewhat true here the ‘new elements’ within this EP, aren’t new to Life’s Questions sound rather they are just more prevalent amongst these six tracks than in any of the bands prior releases.
Melody has always seeped into Life’s Questions output. Whether it be through sweeping guitars, elongated wails or choral gang vocals. Yet on this self-titled release the melody is a lot less subtle. Guitarist Abby Rhine offers her hypnotic vocals to tracks like “When I Meet God” and “Something Out There”, while the choral gang vocals take an infectious centre stage on opening track “Light Me Up”.
With melody becoming an increasing factor in Life’s Questions work it’d be understandable to be hesitant toward the outcome. Often we see bands try to shoehorn melody into their established sound creating an uncomfortable battle between seething and soothing vocal styles. Instead Life’s Question have found a perfect marriage. A marriage that sees the two vocal styles blend together to allow their signature red hot riffs to be elevated.
As lead vocalist Josh Haynes shows no sign of letting up on his boisterous approach, songs like “I Can Still Hear My Mama Pray”, shine brightest. With his punchy vocals working in tandem with the groovy stomp of guitarists Abby and Ridge Rhine along with the two stepping rhythms of bassist AJ Hoenings and drummer Nick Barker. It’s this platform offered musically that has allowed the addition of more vocal melody to succeed. The guitars maintain the subtle sweeps that then offer smooth transitions between Haynes and Rhine’s contrary vocal approaches..
Showcasing everything you’d expect from a band nearing a decade together, with the help of producer Jon Markson, Life’s Question sound their tightest yet. The decision to mark this next step in their musical journey with a self titled release, should spark nothing but excitement as the hone their sound to be the best that it can be.
The self-titled EP is out April 19th on Flatspot Records and can be pre ordered here
