ALBUM REVIEW: What’s Left Now? – Death Lens
Punk outfit, DEATH LENS, have put out their newest record What’s Left Now?. In the last two years since they last put out a record, DEATH LENS experienced varying highs and lows after touring consistently for nine months. On the one hand, they used the time to hone their craft and gain more eager fans, but on the other, the stress of being on the road resulted in two members departing from the band. Yet they are more than ready to bounce back with a new member to complete the quartet, and a brand-new album that’s as brutally honest as one can expect from a band who, in their own words, always “cut the bullshit”.
We have very little time to settle in when we experience opening number Monolith where the first sounds we hear are unfocused and distorted TV clips before heading straight into a high energy garage rock track that blends in anthemic rock harmonies with a solid chorus highlighting the fact thanks to the repetition of the line “do you feel it?”. The confidence is obvious with vocals that draw some comparison to Josh Franceschi, it’s a strong first impression of the record. That energy continues into Power where no time is wasted as they kick off into a loud and fast pop-rock meets punk inspired track that’s bouncy to the point where it’s nearly impossible not to nod your head along.
The high energy of this record is consistent throughout, even during moments where things take on a more melancholic or serious quality, you find yourself drawn in and intrigued for whatever comes next. For example, Waiting To Know, featuring MILITARIE GUN, takes on a slower tempo that weaves with alternative rock sounds with a little bit of an emo melody thrown in for good measure, yet you find yourself unable to stop bopping your head along. Meanwhile, Am I A Drug To You? takes on a more moody vibe thanks to the alternative meets electronic sounds style they have going on, tied together nicely with the strumming of acoustic guitar, it feels somewhat powerful as you’re drawn into a story that can be perceived in many different ways depending on your own experiences.
There are so many highlights on this record that it’s hard to explain it all with few words, yet we felt the need to mention tracks like Saints In The Panic Room which features heavy tin-like drumbeats that give the track a darker feel where one can feel a certain type of frustration thanks to the, what we believe to be, lyrical content that discusses the realities of living in a broken home. The concluding three tracks, Last Call, Pulling Teeth, and Debt Collector, close out the record with a punk energy that is packed plenty with anthemic “hey, hey, hey” moments and the urge to flip the bird to the world.
A solid, fun record that’s perfect to put on when you need a pick-me-up and inspiration to face the day.
Rating: 8/10
What’s Left Now? is out now via Epitaph Records.
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