Spring is a great time of year. On the whole, it tends to mark ascension from dismal weather and the renewal of an overall lively outdoor atmosphere. This year, it also signifies the release of good music onto our jam-band haven. Contributing to this is The Living End. With the release of their third record, "Modern Artillery," the Melbourne rockers have bounced back from inter-group setbacks and lived up to their admirable reputation. While different from any of their previous records, the album captures the growth of one of the most enthralling trios in the modern music circuit.
There is no denying the hype that preceded the release of "Modern Artillery." The Living End's previous efforts have been impressive to say the least, and their self-titled debut still stands as one of the most wholesome, inspiring albums in my own vast collection. Perhaps that is because the band comes off rather originally in an industry where monotony seems to be the name of the game.
Hailing from Australia, The Living End plays powerful, blues-oriented tunes with strong rockabilly influences. At least that is what its older music suggests. Whereas the group's last release, "Roll On," highlights its raw dynamism and instrumental mastery, "Modern Artillery" takes the slightly catchier element of its first record and expands on it, leaving technicalities behind. Anyone familiar with The Living End's older work may initially be taken aback by the mellower feel of the new album. Truth be told, it opts for a catchier sound than what any loyal follower might expect. A few runs through, however, discard any qualms, revealing why The Living End are still on the up-rise.
"Modern Artillery" kicks off with "What Would You Do?," an upbeat sing-along anthem which, like many songs on the record, could easily pass as a radio hit. Of note is its straightforward, standard rock progression, which is a bit less frenzied than the uppity sequences of many Living End songs. Though clearly more refined than any of the band's previous concoctions, do not expect to start hearing the three-piece getting overplayed alongside such commercial behemoths as Britney Spears.
For all its popular appeal, "Modern Artillery" still retains the working-class ethic that permeates The Living End's first two releases with songs like "Carry Me Home." "Who's Gonna Save Us?," the disc's first single, deals with the deficits of a society fronted largely by bureaucratic schemes and negligent leadership. The sixth track, "Tabloid Magazine," likewise condemns media malpractices, urging one to be skeptical of news reports and headlines. This is by no means to say that The Living End are now a politically geared, blue collar unit, for the album touches on a wide range of topics from camaraderie to women. All in all, however, "Modern Artillery" is infused with a grassroots aura that any Against Me! fan would approve of.
Musically speaking, "Modern Artillery" is somewhat safe for the Living End, which is generally known for its challenging instrumental structures. The shredding guitar solos of frontman Chris Cheney, for instance, have been reduced to basic pentatonic riffs, as evinced by the otherwise incredible second song, "One Said To The Other."
Even the lines of stand-up bass player Scott Owen are simpler than normal, though creative in their own right. A sharp listen to "Maitland Street" exposes Owen's knack for full fretboard utilization and bass fills. With the exception of "End of the World" and "Hold Up," both of which contend for "album's best-song" status, the record is absent of the rapid, Tiger Army-like beats that once defined The Living End's music. Regardless, with "Modern Artillery," the trio proves that simplicity is genius, and that good music is not always the most difficult.
While certainly not the most experimental band out there, the Living End exudes enough diversity to warrant multiple classifications. Whatever you want to call its music -- be it psycho-billy, blues or good ole rock n' roll -- the fact remains that it is quality stuff, and "Modern Artillery" confirms this. With enough hooks to bate even the most un-conforming scene junkies, the album is sure to garner attention. Like most good records, it may take a few listens to appreciate it, but in the end, you will not be left disappointed.
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