To add on to the already stacked lineup of new releases for 2021, the Florida-based band Afterlife is back with their second full length record “Part Of Me”, and they brought a lot of rage along with them. With everything going on in the world and the band not being able to get out during the past year and a half, it’s understandable that so many different emotions needed to be let out somehow as we embark through this almost 29 minute long journey.
We start off with “Wasting Time”, which shows up guns blazing with distorted vocals being pulled into full focus just in time for vocalist Tyler Levenson’s lyrics “so much for the American Dream” to come right up to your face. Immediately, it makes me think of the band, along with everyone else in the music industry, not being able to spend their time living their “American dream” touring and connecting with fans in person. I personally think that’s a hell of a way to start off the album and sets the tone for what’s about to unfold. Heavy toned guitars and drums syncopate together as we get the first taste of instrumentation, and the second verse brings back the classic rap on top of rock vibe.
The rage continues with the distorted glitch transition going into “Envy”, which is one detail I love because it lined up perfectly. I also love the way they structured the breakdown; casual listeners will think it’s slowing down, but anyone who has a background in studying/playing music will notice the tempo doesn’t actually change, only the placement of the accents. I live for those small details. “Misfit Anthem” keeps the momentum consistent with it’s bouncy energy and vocals directed for anyone who’s felt left out in life. “Not Giving It Up” sounds like it’ll be a good radio single with it’s catchy melodies and riffs, but it’s not generic enough to come off as boring. The lyrics do seem repetitive, but sometimes someone just needs to hear the words “I’m not giving it up” that many times to get through the day; maybe that was the intent with this one.
Things take an interesting turn, starting with the title track “Part Of Me”. NF-like vibes with the feelsy rap lines and float-like electronic sounds, but still keeping that contrasting heavy sound as a foundation, this one stood out to me. I’m sure this one will turn out to be a fan favorite. “Miles Away” continues even further down the sad NF-like atmosphere, but I’ll admit that this one caught me off guard in a good way. I don’t remember seeing a soft emotional side from this band like this before so it’s a breath of fresh air.
Now that we got our feelings out, we’re back to our regularly scheduled program with one of the heaviest songs on the record sonically “Pure”. Triplets on the double bass keep your blood pumping, and the breakdown is so simple but it’s enough for fans to love it. “Burn It Down” also sounds massive sonically with it’s jumpy riffs, but the lyrics do seem a little repetitive again. It’s still a solid track though in my opinion. “Who Am I” picks up the pace and brings a back and forth battle in the vocals, making the listener think about who they are and if they are making their own choices in life. Double bass makes an appearance again and keeps your attention as we make it to the “Chasing the High”, which ends the album on a big open chorus, and reminds you that everything in your life has made you who you are.
Overall, it’s a solid body of work and personally think it’s an improvement from the previous record “Breaking Point”. I always take into consideration the live show aspect in music as well, and I feel like the majority of this album would feel better hearing it in person and seeing the pent up energy that’s meant to come out. The first two songs would be a great opener for their set, as it was a great opener for the album. If all goes well in the world, this release could launch them into new territories and gain traction with new fans.
Link to Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/24HkFJ9oUSMDFdsE4yYyBc?si=GcS9iPZiQ7a5ywn3Whtv5g&dl_branch=1
Link to newest music video Miles Away: https://youtu.be/HTOWl4CtU6k
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