LIFE IN PICTURES „By The Sign Of The Spyglass”

Music: Metalcore/Hardcore
Country: USA
Website: http://www.lifeinpicture.cc
Duration: 59.59
Cool Songs: The Last Of The Blind Man, Eric Hilborn, Evil Hearted Woman

It’s hard not to draw the cynical bow at the current glut of Metalcore acts that are sprouting like weeds from every corner of the globe. I’m a fan of the style, but just like every other genre of heavy music, there comes a time when a certain sound can start to spread itself rather thin. Plenty of less tolerate folk have been calling for the ‘head’ of metalcore for years, but rather than be deterred by such negativity Arizona quintet ‘Life in Pictures’ throw us their debut album to consider. Fortunately enough, for the band and listener, it isn’t just ‘another’ metalcore disc.

LIP have been forging their take on this sound for the past five years, released a few demos and EP’s and then as luck would have it they signed to Clockwork Records, a new San Diego label run by Tim Lambesis. Tim, of course, just happens to be vocalist of Metalcore band of the moment ‘As I Lay Dying’. Nice foot in the door hey? Exposure guaranteed.

Produced by Bob Hoag ‘By the Sign of the Spyglass’ is what I would term a more complex, elaborate metalcore album. It is, right from the very beginning, completely recognisable as a style, but rather than tread the same old boards and cop the derivative play, ‘LIP’ are more about adding slightly different textures to their whole vibe. The main difference that hit me about ‘BTSOTSG’ was its song structures. And while I think the album is a tad over long, there is an extension on the metalcore style that allows ‘LIP’ to incorporate elements of straight up Rock to Thrash riffage and that essential ‘metallic’ angle that band like ‘Darkest Hour’ and ‘The Bled’ unload.

There is also a drawn out epic feel about this album. They have a ‘Converge’ like progressiveness in that they can incorporate many influences and remain focused and energetic. They’re far from being in the same league as the mighty Converge, but ‘LIP’ does draw some comparisons. The plethora of guitar solos and lead breaks that exist on this album adds another dimension to ‘BTSOTSG’. Both Addy Math and Caleb Chambers rip and tear at any given opportunity, making for a much more appealing listen.

As much as I have wrapped up ‘LIP’ as a less than typical Metalcore/Hardcore act, they won’t convert the hardliners. As stated, this is still very recognisable as part of the ever growing beast that is this style. They just bend the rules a little. The main problem that most naysayers will have with ‘LIP’ is the vocals ramblings of H.Clarence Hampton III. Yep, that’s his real name. Typical caustic throughout, Hampton’s screamo style as one dimensional and predictable as it comes and perhaps doesn’t carry through the more elaborate song writing ideas that have been laid down here. Still, there’s little to complain about re ‘clean’ whining sections. There are none!!

Life in Pictures are worth seeking out even if you are a little jaded by the whole Metalcore monster. At an hour long (with an added bonus track for their Australian release of this disc), it is a fairly exhausting affair. Incredibly they save their best track for last with the epic tale ‘The Last of the Blindman’ to stave off any tiredness. Released in Australia via Trial & Error with plans to bring the band to these shores, ‘By the Sign…’ is much better than you might expect.

note: Quote: 7.8

Tracklist

All My Pirates Share The Grave
Evil Hearted Woman
Eric Hilborn
Wrecking Ball And Chain
Needle In A Haystack
Positive Mental Attitude
Sharp Shit
Hit Me With It
The Blues Is A Mighty Bad Feelin'
Powder & Arms
The Last Of The Blind Man
Seein’ Red (Minor Threat) * OZ Bonus track