Ever wondered what would happen if Against Me!, Modest Mouse and a Big Band quartet were trapped on a plane hurtling towards a fiery death and there was only one set of parachutes? Well, I can't say who'd be the ones left in freefall, but I'm sure the fight scene would sound a little like It's Great To Be Alive. And it sure is. Chris Farren's scratchy, hoarse vocals (perhaps at time a little too reminiscent of Tom Gabel), peirce holes in a frequently changing backdrop of stabbing guitar riffs, propulsive drumming and jubilant horns. Each track sees a new take on their unique (to an extent) sound of disco folk-punk, and for the first half of the album this is definitely a plus. Anthemic ska, catchy, chorus-heavy folk pop and gritty, guileless punk take turns to carry new sets of sarcastic, memorable lyrics (for the most part) and do so with an admirable spring in their step. But as the second half trudges on it seems like the band run out of ideas slightly and their nods towards Against Me! and The Hold Steady become perhaps a little too vehement. There are a few highlights in the second half though - check out 'Tabernacle Song' and 'Heart BPM', aswell as the first half's 'Level with the Devil' and 'The Dream Team'. Although the band seem to lack that killer edge right now, an 'X-Factor', so to speak, if they can muster the effort to be a little more inventive, dynamic and focused next time around they could have a really awesome record on their hands.
Bump |
