West Coast-based Lowlives are a band who clearly where the influences on their sleeves, but on the evidence of ‘Loser’, we’re not complaining. It sees their mutual admiration for all things ‘90s alternative and grunge come to the forefront. Swirling guitars segue into a raucous, driving chorus highlighting the quartet’s melodic flair.
“‘Loser is a love song about a self-proclaimed ‘loser’ who has fallen in love with someone they also see as a misfit outcast like themselves.” Lowlives explains vocalist and guitarist Lee Downer. “Both as awkward and weird as each other just wishing they could be losers together. Musically it’s definitely the most pop song on the record and is an ode to 90’s alternative radio.”
Undoubtedly there’s an infectious quality to ‘Loser’, one that reaffirms Lowlives’ capabilities, flourishing with what has considerably turned into a passion project.
Who are Lowlives?
Since coming together six years, ago, Lowlives have a handful of EPs and singles under their belt, honing their brand of post-hardcore and alt-rock. However, its members have individually had their fair share of miles touring. For starters, you might recognise Lee Downer, the former frontman for The Defiled. While fellow Brit, Luke Johnson, has played drums in bands such as No Devotion and Amen. Whereas bassist Steve Lucarelli has lent his services to The Ataris, Once Nothing, and Terrible Things. Guitarist Jaxon Moore completes Lowlives‘ line-up.
Their Debut Album is Released in May
Fast-forward to the present day and the quartet are gearing up for the release of their debut album – ‘Freaking Out’. Due for release on May 31st on their new label home, Spinefarm Records, its 10 tracks look set to showcase a determined collective with a newfound hunger to make music.
With the members of Lowlives living all over the States, they opted to knuckle down at Chapel Studios in Lincolnshire with producer Adrian Bushby (Young Guns, Tigercub, Haggard Cat, Black Foxxes) to record the record. The self-funded two-week session proved to be beneficial for the four-piece. “The experience of being forced into that situation of living and working together brought us even closer together, I feel,” explained Downer.
That aforementioned admiration for ’90’s alt-rock has its fingerprints all over ‘Freaking Out’. Whether that’s on the explosive post-grunge rock of Bush on their past single ‘Liar’, the Nirvana-esque urgent scrappiness on the title track, or hints of the Smashing Pumpkins, Alice In Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, or early Foo Fighters littered throughout. ‘Freaking Out’ is musically a love letter to the gut-punching rock that made Lowlives want to become musicians in the first play. It’s complemented by a lyrical narrative where Downer explores his insecurities.
1. Freaking Out2. Liar
3. Getting High on Being Low
4. Swan Dive
5. Loser
6. You Don’t care
7. Out of Step
8. Closer Than You Know
9. Damien
10. VertigoPre-save here
‘Freaking Out’ by Lowlives is released on Friday, May 31st on Spinefarm Records.
Find Lowlives on: Facebook | X (Formerly Twitter) | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | Website
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