It was fifteen years ago the Alternative Rock band by the name of Lifehouse made a massive debut with the album No Name Face. Anchored by hit single “”Hanging by a Moment,” the album was a grand introduction to the Southern California based band which brought a mix of Post-Grunge edge mixed with an Alternative leaning to listeners. Led by the distinctive vocals of Jason Wade, Rick Woolstenhulme, Jr. has remained on drums, and Bassist Bryce Soderberg directly prior to the band’s third studio record, Lifehouse in 2005. Exploring sounds over the course of their career, Lifehouse return in 2015 with their seventh studio album, entitled Out of the Wasteland. Spending the majority of their career on Geffen, the new album, released on May 26th, marks their first with Ironworks Music and is a record that sees the band return to their roots.
The album starts out catchy and thriving with lead single “Hurricane,” which gives the listener a comfortable launch, as the song slowly gains speed and volume. “One for the Pain” is a bit faster as it speaks of drinking the pain and sorrow away. It is a bar song filled with temptations that the listener can relate to. Who does not want to escape pain and forget everything that caused it? Then there is “Flight,” a more mellow cut, but the lyrics stay just as deep and emotional, focusing strongly on the piano. Fittingly, the song was released back in 2014 and served as a bit of a sample of the direction the band would go with Out of the Wasteland.
Going on to “Runaways,” a slow and calm verse comes before a chorus which has a big sound filled with depth. The song could be the anthem for the album, if not even for the Lifehouse of today. Following is “Firing Squad,” a track about surrender and giving up after a long struggle that led to nothing. Sad and tragic, highlighted by a sweet melody, it is yet another song listeners will be able to relate to. On a happier note, “Wish” is a bright and shining song, carrying hope. Accompanied by an acoustic guitar, it is a pure, clean, and beautiful track. Continuing with another upbeat track,“Stardust” is filled with energy and a beautiful chorus as Soderberg takes the lead vocals and Wade supports him with tight backing singing.
Weaving in and out of tempos throughout the record, “Alien” is slower and calmer again as it tells the story about feeling like a stranger. Another relatable topic, everyone has been new somewhere, feeling alone and like an outsider. It is just further testament to the wonderful lyrical writing of Wade throughout the band’s career. The album continues slow and deep with “Central Park” as a beautiful melody leads through the song. Without a repetitive chorus, this song is more of a story told, from first to last, in a slightly melancholic manner. “Hurt This Way” is another sad song tapping on the subject of a lost love and the hurt it brings along. The chorus is fast and more energetic, protecting the emotion of coping with the pain. Above all, the song drags the listener along with a catchy melody that will easily get stuck in their head. “Yesterday’s Son” starts out with soft piano playing before sober vocals set in. Almost like a Gospel, the song digs deep in the listener’s heart as the beat softly sets in and adds some more strength to the song. This leads to the final offering of Out of the Wasteland, “Hourglass,” which features Wade and Indie Folk singer Jordan Whitlock sharing the singing. Laced with delicate piano, playing in a high pitch, it is a dramatic closing with heavenly spirit.
Fifteen years of making music has formed Lifehouse. Out of the Wasteland is strong and deep, as so are the lyrics. It is a different direction than 2012’s Almería, and many fans will really dig what the guys came up with. With a list of additional studio musicians to make the record rich with texture, each song carries its own spirit and amazes the listener. In addition, the album includes amazing Rock songs that all have hit potential. CrypticRock gives Out of the Wasteland 4 out of 5 stars.
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