ALBUM REVIEW: The Boogie Down South – XL Life
XL LIFE have only been around for three years, yet they are already making deep cuts in the alternative music industry, particularly through festival appearances at the likes of 2000 Trees and Burn It Down. The Cardiff-based powerpunk/hardcore quartet are comprised of ex-ASTEROID BOYS vocalist/guitarist Phillip Davies aka Traxx, guitarist Lewis Newbrook, Khalid Awan Khan on bass and Jasper Gaskin on drums. Despite their obvious talent and accomplishment in the industry, just like the rest of us they have experienced the darkest of days. Their debut full-length album The Boogie Down South is a clear representation of the band’s current mental state. This body of work ultimately “lays bare the band’s struggles with substance abuse, violence, disabilities, broken homes and mental health problems, in time-honoured hardcore band tradition it’s an ultimately uplifting and positive testament to recovery and making the most of the life we are given.”
The initial track Shout starts off well with an intriguing, clever drum beat taking the lead. After a few seconds, we are met with sounds that seem to represent heavy breathing. Before too long, Traxx‘s vocals take centre stage. Despite the simplicity of the track, it really captures the emotion and pain that the collective are feeling at this moment in time – a powerful start. Next up is If You Want It You Can Get It. Following the introduction of a grime-infused beat, we are treated to a lively punk inspired melody until the final second.
Control carries on with the energy filled punk theme from the previous track. This track speaks honestly about the band’s past, but almost provides a sense of optimism at the same time, with lyrics such as “I control my ways, control my days / Ignore my past like I used to.” Baby Steps, which notably features UK punk/grime duo BOB VYLAN, is up next, kicking things off with an infectious, powerful punk style riff. BOB VYLAN‘s segment within the track provides a much-needed different flavour to the proceedings, making this song stand out amongst the rest.
Feeling Away has an instant vocal hook which keeps your attention from the start. This track has the catchiest chorus on the release and it should have you singing along in seconds. Grey Place begins with a funk-inspired groove before Traxx‘s recognisable vocals kick in. The chorus is more guitar-driven, adding something of a hardcore element to the song. The final segment of the track is the most enjoyable though, with an increasingly faster melody piquing your interest.
Just Do It keeps up the endless energy with a heavy, hardcore type instrumental at the helm. By the end, some may be surprised to hear an electronic inspired finale to the track, keeping things interesting as a result. These Days brings us back to the guitar-focused sound that definitely suits the band the best. The closer is Built To Last. Another infectious guitar heavy melody takes the lead, providing an optimistic finale to the album. XL LIFE prove that they are “built to last” and can get through any hard situations or difficulties that are thrown their way.
Ultimately, The Boogie Down South is a very emotional and raw release and Traxx‘s emotion definitely comes through on all of the tracks. There is an argument though that XL LIFE have a bit of work to do musically speaking, but considering this is only their first full-length release, they still have a lot of time to progress with their sound, and hopefully they’ll develop some more infectious chorus hooks in the process.
Rating: 7/10
The Boogie Down South is out now via Venn Records.
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