Review
Better Lovers, a band that didn’t even exist 16 months ago, has quickly made a name for itself with two intense North American tours and several sold-out overseas shows. Next to that, their 2023 EP also earned them spots at some of the most prestigious European festivals in 2024. Now that they’re back home after such an intense touring schedule, they’re set to release their highly anticipated debut album, Highly Irresponsible, on October 25th via Sharptone Records.
For those not familiar with this side of Metalcore, Better Lovers is the brainchild of ex-Every Time I Die members Jordan Buckley (guitar), Clayton “Goose” Holyoak (drums), and Stephen Micciche (bass). They are joined by ex-The Dillinger Escape Plan singer Greg Puciato, and Will Putney of Fit For An Autopsy also handling guitar duties and production.
According to Jordan, while Highly Irresponsible required a more refined, surgical production, it retains the same raw energy they embraced while composing the EP. And man do they deliver on that promise! While It clearly feels like a continuation of Every Time I Die, subtly introducing a little bit of that Dillinger Escape Plan influence, it goes beyond that, ramping up the tempo and giving us something they’re Highly Irresponsible for. With this release, they solidify their place in Sharptone Records‘ roster, alongside new chaotic additions like Japanese bands Paledusk and Knosis!
Right off the bat, Puciato’s iconic, instantly recognizable vocals take you on an inescapable ride! The album sticks to the same formula as the three singles, with no big surprises, although ‘Deliver Us From Life’ offers a nice break from the chaotic, high-energy pace of the rest of the album, much like the third and final single, ‘At All Times‘.
If you’re a fan of massive, high-octane compositions, you’ll absolutely love the album, but beyond that, it falls a bit short in delivering more depth. While the breakdowns are definitely pit-worthy, they’re not particularly memorable. Unfortunately, the same can be said about the rest of the new tracks. The three singles feel like one of those movie trailers that spoil the entire plot of a movie you’ve been eagerly anticipating.
In conclusion, this album clearly deserves a listen! Beyond its small shortcomings, it’s a promising new start helping justify the reason why so many European festivals threw themselves at Better Lovers. It’s electric, it’s chaotic, it kicks your ass, and it keeps you energized!