Living with Lions

2011 cannot come soon enough for Vancouver’s Living With Lions as the band prepares for the release of their second full-length record, provocatively titled “Holy Shit”.

It has been a long and winding road since the band formed in 2007. The band first emerged in Canada with the release of their acclaimed “Dude Manor EP”, followed quickly by their debut full-length “Make Your Mark” via Black Box (2008) & Adeline (2009). That record produced the popular single “A Bottle Of Charades” which has been featured on a handful of compilations and video game placements, and saw video play on Fuse and MuchMusic. This release also got them included in Alternative Press’ 100 Bands to Know for 2010.

From the start, there was something tangibly different about Living With Lions – their trademark dynamics and anthem-esque melody – set them apart in the punk rock
community. The sound is something exciting, fresh, and definitively theirs. It’s a sound that resonates with the new generation of punk rock fans and the grizzled veterans alike; it appeals to both the most jaded underground hardcore/punk rock fan as well as the fluffiest pop punk fan. It is in every sense accessible, honest, genuine and heart-felt. They wear their influences proudly while cultivating an experience all their own.

With performances at The Fest, and tours alongside bands like Polar Bear Club, The Swellers, A Wilhelm Scream and The Wonder Years, the table seemed to be set for a huge step forward with the release of their second full-length. However, things didn’t come together as easily as predicted. The amicable departure of two founding members during the recording process delayed the completion of “Holy Shit”. The remaining members (Chase Brenneman – guitar/vocals, Landon Matz – guitar, Loren Legare – drums) converted their frustration and disappointment about the departures and delays into creative energy. Recruiting long time friends Stuart Ross (vocals) and Bill Crook (bass/vocals) to round out the lineup, the band quickly finished the album and emerged rejuvenated, refocused and motivated.

“Holy Shit” reveals a group of young musicians, songwriters and friends maturing and truly coming into their own on all levels. The album touches on all the hallmarks of good punk rock – angst, frustration, regret, longing and triumph – while staying true to the band’s definitive sound. “These songs are all about real people and situations that we’ve had to deal with,” says guitarist Chase Brenneman. The album opens with the anthemic track “Pieces”, a song that deals with a relationship that crumbles unexpectedly. This is a consistent theme throughout the record. “It’s something people can definitely relate to on their own level.” says Brenneman.

Other stand-out tracks include, “In Your Light” and “Maple Drive Is Still Alive” which capture the band’s trademark dynamic shifts between energetic double-time punk rock and half-time sing-along choruses. Songs like “Wake Up” and “Rough Around The Edges” showcase a darker, edgier side of the band – something they wear quite well.

The first single, “Honesty, Honestly” is the most immediately memorable track – featuring an upbeat verse and soaring chorus, along with one of the strongest lyrics on the whole record. “You got the best of me, now take the rest of me” vocalist Stuart Ross quips in one of the most self-aware moments on the album. The accompanying video captures the band’s self-deprecating sense of humour as well – another element of the band’s persona that endears them so much to their fans.

The progression that this record shows is evidenced by the international interest that it is generating. With confirmed and coordinated releases in Canada (Black Box), the United States (Adeline), Japan (Ice Grills) and anticipated releases in Europe and Australia, the world is embracing Living With Lions. Their sound and message are resonating on a grassroots level everywhere they go – transcending time zones, oceans, and language barriers.

2011 will be a very special year for the band supporting “Holy Shit”. It took a few years, countless months on the road and a steady dose of adversity to get here, but the band has seen it through and delivered an album that, without a doubt, will have been worth the wait.