Throughout the mid to late 90’s, the punk scene experienced the birth of a new sub-genre, which for better or worse became known as “screamo”. While bands denounced the term, it’s easy to see why those who used raw and abrasive hardcore punk to soundtrack emotionally charged lyrics were given this descriptor. It may have not been an ideal name, but it certainly helped separate a pioneering group of musicians. Even though it never really disappeared, screamo lurked in the shadows for some years after, but would see a revival in the mid 00’s and become more widely recognised than it was during the first wave.
Hailing from the vibrant Florida punk scene, You’ll Live have given a fresh take on this sound with their latest album ‘Moving Past This’ and much like any band that comes from The Sunshine State, it is done just right. They have crafted melodic, almost alternative rock compositions with raw and brittle vocals, and put together an original album that manages to stand out in what can often be a diluted scene of bands in 2015.
The introspective tone of ‘Moving Past This’ is set from the opening moments of ‘Tired Of Trying’ as the words “I’m calling out / I’m done / I’m sick of everyone” is screamed with harrowing intensity. The entire subject matter of the record touches on personal relationships with friends and family, and the macabre topic of losing loved ones. The real life issues that You’ll Live draw their inspiration from are also delivered with unbridled passion on ‘Moving Past This’ which makes it easier to find a connection to them. The tale of a friend growing up too soon before they have even had a chance to really live that is told during ‘Hasty Maturity’ is something that will resonate with many, and is as cathartic for the listener as it surely was the artist.
Where ‘Moving Past This’ differs from the genres elder statesmen like Orchid or Pageninetynine, is that musically it is far more melodic. Bright, major key chords are padded out by intricate lead lines restrained drumming that draw heavily from classic emo bands, with the power being left to the dry, imperfect vocal. It makes ‘Regretful Actions’ and ‘If I Could Change This’ far more inviting than the volatile nature of their contemporaries, yet no less caustic. ‘Trouble’ even has a distinctly “Florida” sound to it, and whether it is intentional or not, pays homage to the early work of native sons As Friends Rust and Hot Water Music.
What makes ‘Moving Past This’ stand out more than anything, is that it never becomes too much. There are some screamo records out there that no matter how intoxicating all their unbridled chaos can be, you can only take so much of it, which is often why EPs tend to flourish rather than full length LPs. Instead, You’ll Live have opted to hone their sound, creating an inviting album with ‘Moving Past This’ that is undoubtedly their most accomplished, and dynamic release to date.
GLEN BUSHELL