Review Summary: Liferuiner have matured?!
1 of 1 thought this review was well writtenLiferuiner were originally formed as a straight-edge hardcore band with the slightly different name of xLIFERUINERx. They made fun of the more mainstream straight-edge bands by writing lyrics about death and hate, rather than preaching their lifestyle. xLIFERUINERx released two albums, No Saints, and Taking Back The Night Life, both to little acclaim. They returned in 2011 under the altered name or Liferuiner with a completely new line-up, with only original vocalist Jonny O’Callaghan remaining.
After two unimpressive and immature albums, Liferuiner have realised that they needed to trim the fat (and boy, what a lot of it there was - and still is.) and have brought forth an EP with genuinely emotional lyrics and quite a bit of melody. While Kids Wanna Rock is just a generic, chugging hardcore song, it is all up from there. The title track, S.O.S.E is rather brilliant, with its heartfelt lyrics and nice melody that helps the song to stick in your head. Up next is a cover of The Beatles’ Revolution, which somehow makes an okay hardcore song. They have made their own, which is what covers should rightfully do. The final song is 1990, which is probably the most experimental song in Liferuiner’s catalogue. Opening again with more chugging and melody, the song totally switches around at 3.25 to a rather lovely, slow and soft section which gets gradually heavier until the instruments stop, leaving just the vocals to end the song. A good way to end a good EP.
While this EP is nothing groundbreaking, groundbreaking is not what Liferuiner set out to do. They have already upped their game in every single way, from more mature lyrics and a lot more added melody into their music that has made for a relatively catchy and fun listen. The chugging is still there, and it always will be, but it is utilised in a more tasteful manner and complements the actual song better than before, however, a little less next time however would still be welcome. With this EP, Liferuiner sound totally and utterly revitalised. It is an unexpected comeback that should be welcomed with open arms by any hardcore listener.
Highlights: S.O.S.E, 1990
