Better Lovers - Highly Irresponsible, Highly Addictive
Better Lovers' debut album was one of the most anticipated metal releases of 2024, and they delivered an experience that hits as hard as expected while taking unexpected detours into styles that keep things fresh. The album is packed with raw intensity, experimental moments, and a sense of controlled chaos that makes it feel unpredictable yet meticulously crafted.
From the opening track “Lie Between the Lines,” the band sets the tone with slow, crushing heaviness, while songs like “A White Horse Covered in Blood” unleash pure, chaotic energy. Meanwhile, “At All Times” leans into a softer, ballad-like approach, showcasing the band’s ability to pivot between aggression and melody effortlessly. Every member of Better Lovers brings their A-game, and while no single musician overshadows the others, each instrument plays a crucial role in shaping the album’s dynamic sound.
The guitar work is a standout element throughout the album, switching between bluesy, southern-influenced riffs and manic, unhinged chaos. Tracks like “Deliver Us From Life” embrace a sludgy, groove-heavy style, while “Future Myopia” and “Drowning in a Burning World” showcase a frantic, almost panic-inducing energy. The distorted, dense tone of the guitars gives each song an overwhelming weight, especially on “Superman Died Paralyzed,” where the riffing takes on an abrasive, metallic edge that perfectly complements the band’s aggressive aesthetic.
The bass work on this album is not just an afterthought—it plays a vital role in maintaining the album’s groove and atmosphere. On “Your Misplaced Self,” the bass sits subtly in the background, adding warmth and depth, but then takes center stage in “A White Horse Covered in Blood” with its crunchy, low-end punch. The unique tuning choices shine in “Everything Was Put Here for Me,” where the bass rumbles with a distinct, hypnotic quality, making it feel like the foundation of the entire track.
The drumming on this album is nothing short of ferocious. The drummer’s ability to execute lightning-fast fills and intricate rolls is a highlight, and his playing is packed with both precision and personality. Songs like “Future Myopia” and “Love As an Act of Rebellion” offer some of the most intense drum performances on the album, where he seems to be constantly shifting between brutal blast beats and groove-heavy rhythms with effortless fluidity.
Vocal-wise, Better Lovers maintain the raw intensity introduced in their previous EP, but they also bring in moments of unexpected experimentation. Tracks like “Your Misplaced Self” and “A White Horse Covered in Blood” showcase the classic aggressive, throat-shredding screams, but the album also features some truly unexpected vocal moments. On “Lie Between the Lines,” the vocals take on a deeper, guttural tone, adding an extra layer of heaviness. Meanwhile, “Future Myopia” utilizes reverb-drenched vocals that create a hypnotic, otherworldly effect, almost as if the singer is floating in and out of consciousness. One of the biggest surprises comes on “Deliver Us From Life,” where the vocal delivery takes a sharp turn into Trent Reznor-inspired territory, adding a haunting, industrial edge that stands out from the rest of the album.
Sonically, this album is mixed to near perfection. There isn’t a single moment where the production quality hinders the music—if anything, the balance of clarity and heaviness enhances it. The band manages to weave in soundscapes and textures that keep listeners on their toes, ensuring that even the most straightforward moments feel fresh.
While nearly every track on this album offers something engaging, there is one song that feels a bit too repetitive, lacking the same punch as the rest of the album. However, that minor flaw doesn’t take away from the fact that Better Lovers have delivered a debut that fully lives up to the hype. They’ve created an album that is both familiar and innovative, capturing the energy of their roots while pushing into new creative territory.
Better music, better Lovers—that’s a guarantee.