Hailing from the working class city of Buffalo, New York, Every Time I Die is a band impossible to pigeonhole as it combines Hardcore with Metal alongside strong Rock hooks. Known for writing aggressive, high-energy music with intriguing, often unusual lyrics, brothers Keith and Jordan Buckley formed the band in 1998 along with Guitarist Andy Williams. Starting out as a Hardcore Punk act, Every Time I Die has continued to evolve over their eight album history. Beginning in 2001 with Last Night in Town, Hot Damn! all the way through 2014’s From Parts Unknown, their rise continues with 2016’s Low Teens. Released on September 23rd via Epitaph, Low Teens benefits from the involvement of Engineer/Producer Will Putney (Acacia Strain, Body Count, Exhumed) and the latest line up, which includes Stephen Micciche on bass and Daniel Davison on drums. That in mind, it is perhaps the strongest iteration the band has put forth; the most complex and interesting works of their career.
Beginning with “Fear and Trembling,” featuring Tim Singer of Deadguy, Kiss It Goodbye, and No Escape, they offer a quirky intro that gives way to a heavy track with impassioned vocals from Keith. A staccato feel opens up to a straight-ahead bulldozer. Next comes “Glitches,” which blasts out of the gate with high energy and a strong groove where Davison provides the propulsion with tight precise drumming while leaving room for the rest of the band to deliver frenetic energy to the track. Some killer breakdowns make this a standout track. On “C++ (Love Will Get You Killed),” Micciche lays out the foundation with Davidson before Guitarists Williams and Jordan combining for rhythmical complexity. This is all while Keith shows a cleaner, more melodic side to his vocals, but the power vocals return for the chorus.
Moving along, “Two Summers” is a more straightforward Rock-n-Roll tune that would catch the ear of the legendary Ronnie Montrose in his day. Great hooks and catchy vocal melodies populate this piece while the vintage feel is capped by the appearance of just the right amount of cowbell. Bringing back the Hardcore Punk sound, “Awful Lot” comes in with Keith’s screams breaking through dissonant chords at a hectic pace. Thereafter, “I Didn’t Want to Join Your Stupid Cult Anyway” is a thrashing, anti-song drawing its intensity and grit from transitioning from frantic to deliberate in its pacing. Powerful and raging, it borders on out of control like a caged animal.
Changing it up, “It Remembers” leaves the overwrought and agitated in favor of a more laid back groove. Bringing in Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco to guest on backing vocal produces a nice effect while Keith once again flaunts a clean melodic prowess while Urie’s appearance adds depth and dimension. The chaos returns in “Petal” when Buckley belts out an agonized vocal over frenzied guitars, bass, and drums. Seemingly at wits end, this track captures an unglued feel and conveys it with power and raw emotion.
Deep into the album, the debut single, “The Coin Has a Say,” appears sporting a catchy hook within a tight structure of insanity. Then, “Religion of Speed” comes in as the album’s longest track, beginning with acoustic guitar before twisting and shifting through styles. At times hooky and others violent, the band moves easily between them. This is before Every Time I Die blow out the gate thrashing on “Just as Real but Not as Brightly Lit.” Moving to Groove Metal, it is ebbing and flowing while moving from Heavy Groove to Thrash with a straightforward Hardcore vocal. Keeping it aggressive, “1977” comes crashing in with intensity while possessing a heavy breakdown flow throughout. The guitar work is fast and complex with interesting chords that create a maniacal feel. More upbeat, “Map Change” is bouncy while maintaining its heavy. Here, the chorus is catchy and melodic, complete with an “ohhh oh,” as Keith delivers a strong and infectious vocal performance, showing his wide range and diversity.
Fifteen cuts in total, Low Teens is rounded out nicely with “Skin Without Bones” and “Nothing Visible; Ocean Empty.” That said, each member of the band feels comfortable contributing and nailing style shifts throughout the album and within each song. Low Teens moves seamlessly and boldly between styles covering Hardcore, Punk, Rock-n-Roll, Metal, and Screamo. Lyrically, the album takes a sardonic tone covering many topics with an intriguing darkness. For these reasons, CrypticRock gives Low Teens 5 out of 5 stars.
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