Lifeguard – Ripped And Torn

ifeguard from Chicago release their debut album "Ripped and Torn" on Matador Records. The young trio, consisting of Asher Case (bass, baritone guitar, vocals), Isaac Lowenstein (drums, synthesizer) and Kai Slater (guitar, vocals), have been making music together since their high school days, almost a quarter of their lives.

Loud and direct, cryptic but with heart, their songs draw inspiration from punk, dub, power pop and experimental sounds, bringing it all together in an explosive Sound of Now. Recorded last year in Chicago with producer Randy Randall (No Age), the album captures a claustrophobic crankiness that evokes the feeling and energy of house parties and tightly packed rooms, where ears are easily overwhelmed and ragged improvisations combine with the same power as melodic hooks.

The band was already one of the absolute insider tips at the 2023 SWSW and impressed with their rousing live shows, which you could also see for yourself here in Germany last year. Lifeguard belong to the spearhead of new bands whose creative melting pot is located in and around Chicago and recently also produced the band Horsegirl. The scene consists of musicians, fanzine makers and concert organizers and is inspired by the DIY indie movement of the 90s.