Larusso

Larusso may be little known but, I can assure you, these are no newbies. Put aside the fact that they have already produced countless, well-received LPs and EPs since their formation, and what you are left with is the unerring professionalism of pop punk statesmen strutting their stuff with consummate confidence and composure. ‘Life in Static’, which is due to be released on the 15th of next month, is yet another independently released stayer that sprints nimbly through a plethora of emotions and musical considerations with no real warm-down…not that we’re complaining.

This 13-song album is high octane from start to finish. Larusso, true to their pop-punk sensibilities, keep each song energetic but never overbearingly so. Using a mixture of almost intrusive melodies and controlled aggression, they invite the listener in when music of this dynamism and power could potentially scare noobs away. ‘Life in Static’ sounds like the perfect “training wheels” for anyone trying to ease a young rocker into the world of metal…“Once you can appreciate this, we’ll consider Metallica and then go on from there, okay kiddo?”

While this is compositionally very traditional (and understandably so) there are a few inflections and tweaks that take ‘Life in Static’ into the realms of playful experimentation. Nothing too out there though – a few schizophrenic drums here and a synth phase there – but the fact that it bucks the trends, setting it noticeably apart from bands like Yellowcard and Brand New means that the uniqueness of ‘Life in Static’ makes it a good, authentic alternative rock release.

More than anything, Larusso have produced a strong studio album that offers cohesion, crispness and simplicity. Lyrically astute and musically diverse, ‘Life in Static’ is proof that modern pop albums have vastly bridged the hazardous gap between light entertainment and thought-provoking substance. Focussing largely on the hardships of life, the songs refer to overcoming adversity and taking positives from negative experiences. However, such serious subjects are not made unpalatable by dower, slow paced musicianship; instead, each song is conceptually anthemic and uplifting, inciting the downtrodden to rise up, dust themselves off and rock on.