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Lifetime

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Lifetime is an American band from New Brunswick, New Jersey, that played melodic hardcore and emo. The group formed in 1990 around the singer Ari Katz and the guitarist Dan Yemin, with roots in the hardcore scene of New York and New Jersey. Katz wrote his lyrics in a more positive and personal vein than the negative, sometimes violent tone that many New York hardcore bands chose. That gave the group a character of its own in a tough scene.

Music and breakthrough

The first album, Background, appeared in 1993 and still bore little resemblance to the later, more melodic work. In 1995 stability arrived with the guitarist Pete Martin, the bassist David Palaitis and the drummer Scott Golley. That year the second album, Hello Bastards, appeared on Jade Tree Records. In 1996 came a compilation of singles and unreleased songs, and in 1997 the third album, Jersey's Best Dancers: twelve songs in less than twenty-four minutes. Shortly afterwards the band stopped.

Influence

After the split the members carried on in other punk bands, such as Kid Dynamite and Paint It Black. In 2005 Lifetime played three reunion shows, after the festival Hellfest had been cancelled, and in November the band announced that it was really coming back. In 2007 a new album appeared, Lifetime. Hardcore with vocals that anyone can sing along to, fast guitars and honest lyrics became an important example for later emo and pop-punk bands.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Hello Bastards and notice the furious tempo and the vocals that almost scream yet still follow a melody. Can you hear how short and direct the songs are?

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

Categories: Artists