As the leader of the Portland band Change Life, Lawton Browning channels inspiration from anarchist and surrealist traditions into fascinating off-kilter rock with some highly engaging rhythmic qualities. They'll release their self-titled debut album on Spain's great Meritorio label this month, and they've shared two tracks thus far.
A while back Change Life gave us "Smile," the new album's opening track, which sounds something like Dire Straits crossed with Protomartyr? There's a scrappy post-hardcore quality to it, but also a new wave elegance, but it also sounds nothing like when post-hardcore bands "go new wave." It's got some funk to it, and the edges are sharp.
Today the followed that up with the murky yet smoothly grooving "Beyond Control," which gives Browning the chance to really croon. It's reminding me of Future Islands, but with nifty lead guitar work that steals the show. Check out both songs below.
TRACKLIST:
01 "Smile"
02 "Fields Of Afternoon"
03 "Beneath The Underdog"
04 "Beyond Control"
05 "The Living Green"
06 "Radio Ragazza"
07 "Eden Express"
08 "From Zero To One"
09 "At Last I Am Free"
10 "Mirai (Peace Version)"
Change Life is out 6/26 on Meritortio. Pre-order it here.
