You’re in highschool, I’m in highschool, and so are the members of an up and coming band called Lifeguard.
Though they are new on the scene, (having only released their first EP on spotify in 2020), they have been signed to Matador Records, a prominent label known for also representing artists like Pavement, Lucy Dacus, Snail Mail and my favorite band Car Seat Headrest.
Members of Lifeguard, Isaac Lowenstein and Asher Case were also previously members of another Matador signed band, Horsegirl, which also had Lowenstein’s older sister as a member.
This might have been one foot in the door for the band, but it wasn’t the only one. Their bassist, Asher Case, is the son of Brian Case, a member of an indie band called the Ponys. The Ponys were an Indie band based in Chicago, Illinois that started in 2001, but have since broken up.
However, coming from families of musicians only helps increase the quality of their music. Dive, their first album, was released in 2020 and is only available on Bandcamp, an alternative music streaming platform, known for including unreleased or scrapped music. However, their more recent music which can be found on most other streaming platforms.
Their first extended play record made after being signed with Matador Records, released over the summer, is called Dressed in Trenches. It consists of 5 songs, lasting only 18 minutes in total.
The punk vibe to their music is very prominent in my favorite (and the most popular) songs off of this EP called “Alarm” and “17-18 Lovesong.” The most striking aspect of “17-18 Lovesong” is the quiet vocals paired with loud drums and guitar which is a bit out of character compared to their other music.
Additionally, the drummer, Isaac Lowenstein has an exceptional talent and a great handle on improvisational drumming which is really what makes this band stand out amongst others. “Alarm” stands out as well and it lives up to its title. It is loud and exciting and if that’s the kind of music you’re into then this band might be a perfect match.
Lifeguard brings back a lot of the punk vibe and culture that has been lost over the years. And it is incredible to see nostalgia inducing work from such young people.
