LIFE – ‘Switching On’
LIFE gives us a taste of what’s to come in their latest single ‘Switching On’.
‘Switching On’ is the newest offering from LIFE – of one of the UK’s best current guitar bands. It’s released following their superb sophomore album A Picture of Good Health and ahead of a EU, UK and US tour this spring. If you’re already a fan of LIFE, then you’ll be frothing at the mouth. If not, then where the hell have you been?
‘Switching On’ brings a more electronic influence than previously heard in earlier releases by the band. But don’t worry, LIFE haven’t traded guitar-driven punk rock for synths. The bass and drums provide a cool and intense groove whilst the guitars favour noises over traditional riffs to increase the intensity of the song. ‘Switching On’ builds throughout, no more so than in the choruses – none are exactly the same. The first features harsh whispers, the second is a maniacal machine gun blast to the ears, then the third is good old-fashioned big and aggressive.
Lyrically, ‘Switching On’ takes on a reflective view of the band’s journey the last few years, and how vocalist Mez Green “felt like I belonged to the world.” With this fresh perspective on life combined with the band’s willingness to “open up to all aspects of musicality,” LIFE are experimenting and testing themselves. These are very exciting times.
Words by Matthew Brocklehurst
LIVE DATES
April
11 April – Stockton Calling
12 April – Manchester – Deaf Institute
13 April – Edinburgh – Sneaky Pete’s
14 April – Nottingham – Bodega
16 April – London – Lafyette
17 April – Sheffield – Academy 3
18 April – Hull – Welly
19 April – Birmingham – Academy 3
20 April – Bristol – Rough Trade
22 April – France, Paris – Le Badaboum
23 April – France, Bourges – Le Printemps de Bourges
May
10 May – Blue Shell, Cologne, Germany
11 May – Cassiopeia, Berlin, Germany
12 May – Sputnik Cafe, Munster, Germany
13 May – Kranhalle, Munich, Germany
14 May – Mallorca Live Festival, Mallorca
15 May – Blah Blah, Turin, Italy
16 May – Colorificio Kroen, Verona, Italy
19 May – Haafenklang, Hamburg, Germany
21 May – Merleyn, Nijmegen, Netherlands
22 May – ACU, Utrecht, Netherlands
23 May – Sniester Festival, Den Haag, Netherlands
24 May – V11, Rotterdam, Netherlands