There’s something about a debut album that can make even the most cynical listener feel like a kid at Christmas. With Freaking Out, Lowlives burst onto the scene like an over-caffeinated Santa, delivering a raw, raucous package of grungy goodness that’s equal parts nostalgic and exactly what rock music needs right now. It’s as if the ghosts of ’90s alt-rock past decided to throw a party in 2024, and everyone’s invited.
Lowlives, composed of vocalist Lee Downer, drummer Luke Johnson, guitarist Jaxon Moore, and bassist Steve Lucarelli, are unabashed in their love for ’90s alternative and grunge. This isn’t a band coyly hinting at their influences; they wear them proudly on their sleeves, like patches on a well-worn flannel shirt. Imagine a supergroup formed by members of Nirvana, Alice In Chains, and The Smashing Pumpkins. Now, throw in a dash of Foo Fighters’ anthemic energy and a pinch of Bush’s polished grit, and you’ve got a sense of what Lowlives are all about.
The album kicks off with the title track, “Freaking Out,” a blistering anthem that sets the tone for what’s to come. From the first crunchy guitar riff to the final cymbal crash, it’s clear Lowlives isn’t here to muck about. Downer’s vocals, a mix of gritty intensity and melodic hooks, soar over a backdrop of thunderous drums and driving bass. It’s a fitting opening salvo that promises a wild ride ahead.
“Liar” follows, dialling back the frenetic pace slightly but losing none of the intensity. Downer’s vocals take on a more haunting quality here, reminiscent of Three Days Grace’s Adam Gontier, with a hint of The Pretty Reckless’ Taylor Momsen. It’s a song that showcases the band’s ability to blend heavy and melodic elements seamlessly, creating a sound that’s both powerful and nuanced.
“Getting High on Being Low” continues this trend, offering up an intoxicating mix of catchy melodies and hard-hitting riffs. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to crank the volume and lose yourself in the music, a sentiment that’s echoed throughout the album.
One of the standout tracks, “Swan Song,” clocks in at a little over five minutes and takes the listener on more of a journey. It starts with a steady beat and builds into a crescendo of heavy riffs and soaring vocals. Downer’s voice is at its most powerful here, holding a note that seems to hang in the air, demanding your attention. The song then takes an unexpected turn, shifting into a mellow, almost ethereal section before ramping back up for the finale.
“Loser” and “You Don’t Care” ramp the energy back up, with the latter particularly standing out for its grunge-infused guitar work. It feels like the band is exorcising their angst through these tracks, pouring their emotions into every note and lyric. The rawness of “You Don’t Care” is especially striking, with a punk edge that’s reminiscent of early Green Day.
“Out of Step” and “Closer Than You Know” show off the band’s ability to balance aggressive instrumentals with more introspective lyrics. The former is a full-throttle rocker with biting lyrics, while the latter slows things down a bit, offering a more heartfelt take that still packs a punch. It’s this balance that makes Freaking Out such a compelling listen; the band knows when to hit hard and when to pull back, creating a dynamic listening experience.
As the album draws to a close, “Damien” and “Vertigo” keep the momentum going. “Damien” is one of the most intense tracks on the album, with a relentless pace set by Johnson’s drums and Moore’s scorching guitar work. It’s a song that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser in live settings, with its high energy and anthemic chorus.
“Vertigo” offers a fitting conclusion to the album, slowing things down and allowing the listener to catch their breath. It’s a more subdued track but no less powerful, with Downer’s vocals taking centre stage. It reminds us that beneath the layers of distortion and heavy riffs, there’s a band with genuine emotional depth and a knack for crafting memorable melodies.
Freaking Out is an impressive debut that establishes Lowlives as a band to watch. They’ve managed to capture the essence of ’90s alternative and grunge while infusing it with their own modern twist. At times, the band’s influences can feel a bit too on the nose, but Freaking Out is a thrilling ride from start to finish, and it’s clear that Lowlives are just getting started.
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