Album Of The Week: Vanishing Life’s Surveillance

Walter Schreifels has had an eclectic career. He’s been straying from his hardcore punk roots from his time as the bassist for Youth Of Today, and frontman for Gorilla Biscuits and Quicksand, with the results being pure original material. In the past few years he’s been doing stuff with the bluesy alt-rock act Dead Heavens and released a stripped-down solo record titled An Open Letter To The Scene. Recently, he started a new project called Vanishing Life with …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead’s Autry Fulbright, Bad Religion’s Jamie Miller and Rise Against’s Zach Blair that’s hard hitting alternative rock. Their punk-fueled debut, Surveillance, is coming out on November 11 and it shouldn’t be overlooked.

From start to finish, the album oozes vigor and energy. Fast-paced rhythms make each track addictive. It shows Schreifels going back to his roots while incorporating Fulbright’s, Miller’s and Blair’s particular talents to make a truly authentic sound. Nothing is being ripped off and there is nothing cookie cutter about Vanishing Life’s upcoming debut. Surveillance is angst-filled and each song socks it to the eardrums.

Supergroups can either be this harmonious melding of different talented musicians or a full-blown disaster from the start. Fortunately, Vanishing Life sounds like everything came together perfectly. The music says it all; most of the time a stellar debut means that the band is getting along just fine. It’s going to be interesting to see what the future holds. Speaking of interesting, let’s explore my top tracks off of the Album Of The Week:

With an emphatic bass serving as the anchor, “Realist” is powerful and absolutely electrifying. There’s a bit of an ebb and flow halfway through, but it’s done on purpose and made to be suspenseful. “Thinking Is Weightless” is a sexy song about possession, believe it or not. The groove will take over the senses and you’ll want to press play on this one multiple times. The rhythms supplied by Fulbright on bass and Miller on drums really shine. Another rhythmic track is “Seven Pointed Star,” which walks the fine line of being a stoner metal riffer due to the onslaught of guitars.

Vanishing Life will roll through The Met in Pawtucket on November 12 as part of their tour with New Jersey alt-punks Neaux. Southeastern Massachusetts punks Zero Holds will open things up, so make sure to get there early. It all sounds like a kickass show to be at on a Saturday night. While you’re at the show, pick up a copy of Surveillance. It’ll give your music taste that jolt it’s been craving.

Give “Realist” a listen via Dine Alone Records’ Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/dine-alone-records/vanishing-life-the-realist; Like Vanishing Life on Facebook: facebook.com/vanishinglife.