It was hard not to get excited when guitarist Jordan Buckley posted the thrilling video of fellow Every Time I Die bandmates, drummer Clayton “Goose” Holyoak, and bassist Stephen Micciche, with producer Will Putney. To further fuel the fire, the terms “monster riff” and “mosh build” were tastefully teased in the post, too. It only got better when they announced that ex-Dillinger Escape Plan’s Greg Puciatto would be fronting the band. Three distinct heavy bands came together to form a supergroup that only seemed real when discussed amongst fans describing their dream collaborations. Better Lovers quickly put forth a short and sweet EP that only left fans yearning for more. Fortunately, Highly Irresponsible takes off where the EP left off and dishes out driving heavy riffs for a pit-fueled good time.
The best way to describe this album is an energetic, chaos-fueled good time. Every Time I Die has always been a feel-good, party-time atmosphere type of band and that’s very present on this record, mainly due to Buckley’s riffs. Combine that with Pucciato’s throat-ripping screams and Putney’s superb mixing and production… Baby, you’ve got a stew going! Energy is at an all time high with songs like, “You Misplaced Yourself” and “Drowning in a Burning World” and it doesn’t stop there. Nearly every song has a pit-starting riff that has you contemplating if starting a pit in your living room is really the best idea.
Shout out to Pucciato for his infectious rhythmic vocal delivery. He makes it far too easy to have a song or lyric get ingrained in your head. I find myself uttering, “Cat got your tongue now..” or “Gotta be hard to handle when you melt down” at random points throughout the day. Followed by the chaotic alarm clock riff, “A White Horse Covered In Blood” is a very frequented track. They do show their softer side and dispense a slower illustrious melody in “Deliver Us From Life” and “At All Times“. Both choruses are really extensive and they lure you into the song’s message.
One of the most stimulating attributes of this record is the personalized touch of each member and their respected bands. On tracks like, “Everything Was Put Here For Me” the ETID feels are very strong, but on “At All Times” you hear a resemblance to Pucciato’s solo efforts. Putney’s production style is prevalent on all the alarm clock riffs and breakdowns with his tendency to perfectly administer the heavy. Whether it’s the punchy drums or the cumulative sound of screeching guitars, the breakdowns always sound very tight and heavy. If you’re a fan of Fit For An Autopsy or any of the bands he’s produced, you know exactly what I mean.
Overall, Better Lovers put forth an album that encompasses the best of each member and is an intensely good time. If you’re driving to work listening to Highly Irresponsible, you’ll be punching your steering wheel, wishing you were at one of their shows. I guarantee that Better Lovers will have the most rowdy, fun-thrilled shows that would make anyone come out of mosh-retirement. Their sophomore record can’t come soon enough!
Pick up Highly Irresponsible here!
