"Ruined Lives" is the latest full-length from Transistor Transistor (on Level-Plane), and this band really has gotten better and better over the years. Much like 2005's "Erase All Name and Likeness", the backbone here is made up of noisy, rocked out power chords with some of that more angular and jarring indie riffery, while the vocals charge through varying degrees of intensity via lightly distorted shouting, screaming, etc. There's just a great sense of energy throughout that really places this material above many of the band's contemporaries for me. This is their most diverse outing to date as well, as there are also a couple of slightly longer tracks that get a little heavier and more aggressive/grating with some feedback-drenched swells and fiercely pounding rhythms; while the awesomely dark "The Ghost Hand" takes a stripped down approach with just guitars, bass, piano, and quietly restrained vocals. And as usual the Kurt Ballou production totally fucking rules, too. It's just so damn perfect for this style—achieving a great balance of natural warmth, crisp clarity, and subtly dirty/gritty texture throughout. Good stuff.
Transistor Transistor "Letter of Resignation"
Transistor Transistor "Brass Bones"
Comments
Wow, I thought these guys had broke up.
6.5.2008 | By Carlzilla
really good record!
6.5.2008 | By Vince Neilstein
Much better than i anticipated. This is what the new Hellacopters should have been.
6.5.2008 | By paul
Not too bad. Not amazing either. TT are these weird relics from when “screamo” ruled hc and they apparently just won’t die. The split w/ Wolves is both bands best stuff. This is a little more driven/aggro.
6.6.2008 | By Justin
this is good stuff.
6.8.2008 | By Davis
Old transistor like the Wolves splits was good, and I really enjoyed it at the time, but these 2 full lengths since then, really kick the shit out of the old stuff. Better songs, better recordings, heavier and more rocking. Ruined lives punishes my brain.
6.8.2008 | By Jimminy Jawns
I gotta admit I really love this one.. Been a fan since I first heard the band, the earlier stuff has more of a “fuck you”-edge to it, while the new stuff sounds like they all suffer from a hangover from Hell, and they got their stereo maxed out on Entombed .. You got to love stuff like that..
I really like how the vocals have more of that screamy edge to it, more violent and desperate.. It really fits the band perfectly..
This album is just incredible..
6.14.2008 | By Chris