LiVES have released a rager of a track that calls out death-merchants.
LiVES are a fairly new discovery for me, but ever since I heard the LiVES & Dolium collab on "SHAME!", I've been hooked. I find this band hard to categorise; they're too rock to be punk, but too punk to be rock, and there's also a generous dose of post-punk in their sound for good measure!
"Burn" is a four-minute rager that opens with an almost classic rock guitar riff. The guitar work after the chorus almost ventures into bouncy nu-metal territory without ever missing the mark—hell, there's even what I'd call a breakdown!
This is honestly a hard track to sum up. The guitar grooves, the drums are tight, and the bass sounds big. The track never lets up in energy or fury, but also never sounds one note.
It features one of the most singalong choruses for one of the most bleak subjects: a rallying cry not just against war, but against those who create it for profit (insider trading, anyone?). Quite topical!
Vocalist Peter Chisholm not only has a lot to say, but he has one hell of a voice to say it with. The vocals carry urgency, anger, and disdain, yet still retain an infectious melody. The singing truly rises to the moment, with the breakdown of "People love their chains" being an absolute standout moment. It's electric.
Audiences will be joining in with the refrain of "Burn" for years to come. Refused famously released The Shape of Punk to Come. I have a sneaking suspicion that LiVES may be the future of UK rock. This fury is desperately needed.