The Griswolds
High Times For Low Lives
Reviewed by: Lauren Rosier
Australian four-piece the Griswolds return with their explosive and deeply personal sophomore record, High Times For Low Lives.
For High Times For Low Lives, the quartet – frontman Chris Whitehall (vocals/guitar), Daniel Duque-Perez (guitar/keyboards), Tim John (bass), and Lachlan West (drums)- teamed up with Grammy-winning producer, Andrew Lawson (think Kanye West, fun., Sleigh Bells, etc.), to create an achingly honest musical illustration of the band’s real-life journey together and individually with life, love, and heartache.
A strong opening track is critical to how the listener responds. Unfortunately, we are in a music industry where consumers buy singles more than full albums. With that said, after immersing your ears in the Griswolds’ opening song, “Role Models,” this is a band you will want to support by purchasing their album, going to their shows, and buying their merchandise. This song sets the stage for the rest of the 14-song album with its super catchy melody, slick bass line and percussion, and honest, cut-to-the-bone lyrics that will leave a permanent mark on your musical interests.
Whitehall sings about the ups and downs of life in a band and the pressure of being in the constant spotlight: “…Reality’s a plane / we’re just not on it / and I know life’s a bitch / but we ‘gon ride it…”
The band hits it out of the park with the lead single, “Out Of My Head,” where Whitehall sings about a love that ended in an unfortunate heartbreak, but in the end, resulted in an incredibly catchy, alt-rock song built for mainstream success.
“… I didn’t read between the lines / that sweet sensation’s gone / there was a time, there was a time / your eyes would give me butterflies / but now the season’s done / you can’t deny, you can’t deny / I was the reason we survived / I hope you understand / you fucked it all…”
High Times For Low Lives melds elements of various genres and sub-genres like R&B, tropical soul, and hip hop on “Birthday,” funk and R&B on “Feels So Right” and 80s hip hop and funk-influenced “YDLM ft. Lizzo” resulting in a highly pleasurable listening experience.
The quartet creates a killer version of Rihanna’s “James Joint” and the sexy “Hate That I Don’t Love You” starts on a tender note paired with some deep lyrics about substance abuse and relationships.
From top to bottom, this record will change the way you think about music. If it doesn’t, I highly suggest you think about rearranging your musical priorities and immerse yourself in the musical and lyrical creative talent of The Griswolds.
Rating: Iconic
