Review: Life As Is - Apparitions of Resent

artist: life as is album: apparitions of resent label: none released: spring 2003 by: rob tatum One of the greatest things about music is that it doesn’t necessarily have to be groundbreaking to be good. The Denver/Boulder hardcore scene has been sort of stagnant for the last couple years, with exceptions here and there (i.e. Shogun, One Dying Wish, As We Speak, etc.), so when I first heard Life As Is, I was really happy to see a band that knew exactly what they were good at: straight forward, energetic hardcore. Apparitions of Resent is the first full length from the Northglenn, CO five piece. The album clocks in with nine songs right around half an hour in length. Musically, LAI is similar to older Snapcase (Steps, Lookinglasself era)mixed with a bit of a metal twist. Most of the songs are simple in structure, but the thing that I enjoy most is the energy harnessed within each one. I am impressed that they were able to carry over the energy from their live show into the recording. The guitar work is the most impressive aspect of the music, as they combine melody, metal, and everything in between. It really enhances the flow of the songs. Vocally, LAI attempts to combine heavy screaming with occasional melodies. The screaming is accomplished really well, but some of the melodies are a little off key. Outside of that, there is little need for improvement. Lyrically the album is somewhat angry, with most songs encompassing a general attack at ignorance, selfishness, and revenge. There are also parts about personal struggle, for example, from "The Impossible Becomes Possible while Floating in the Red Sea", “in that one fatal moment I bask in its newfound paralyzation, struggling to get to the surface, the sea wishes to keep its hold.” I also liked the Boondock Saints monologue at the end of "Saintly Presentation." After listening to this quite a few times, and analyzing almost every note and word, I really do like the direction this band is headed. I can definitely see the difference between the older material and the newer stuff. Sure, I really like some of the older songs, but the newer songs are much more complex and melodic. If this band stays together, I envision only good things for them. favorite song: "The Impossible Becomes Possible while Floating in the Red Sea" rating: 81%/100% listen to life as is