Better Lovers’ debut full-length album, Highly Irresponsible, released on October 25, 2024, is a blistering testament to the chaotic beauty of aggressive music. It’s an unapologetic assault that fuses unrelenting hardcore, technical precision, and moments of melodic introspection—showcasing the band’s ability to balance ferocity with emotional depth.
Comprised of veterans from Every Time I Die, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Fit for an Autopsy, Better Lovers pulls no punches in creating a record that feels both meticulously constructed and recklessly alive. From the first seconds of the opening track, the album grabs the listener by the throat and doesn’t let go, offering relentless riffs, breakneck tempo changes, and guttural vocal performances. Yet, beneath the chaos lies a layer of finesse that elevates the band’s sound beyond mere aggression.
The production on Highly Irresponsible captures the raw energy of a live show, with an edge that feels sharp and immediate. Each instrument is given space to shine, from razor-sharp guitar riffs and intricate drum patterns to a bass tone that punches through the mix. The vocals are an emotional whirlwind, ranging from feral screams to moments of almost haunting melody, amplifying the album’s dynamic intensity.
Lyrically, the record dives into themes of self-destruction, resilience, and the absurdity of modern existence. The juxtaposition of visceral anger and reflective vulnerability gives the album a poignant emotional weight. Tracks like “Split the Fuse” and “Permanent Error” stand out for their memorable hooks and gut-punching breakdowns, while others, like the haunting closer, “Endless Calculations,” reveal the band’s more experimental side, slowing the pace to deliver a powerful emotional denouement.
- Lie Between the Lines
- Your Misplaced Self
- A White Horse Covered in Blood
- Future Myopia
- Deliver Us From Life
- Drowning in a Burning World
- Everything Was Put Here For Me
- Superman Died Paralyzed
- At All Times
- Love As An Act of Rebellion
What makes Highly Irresponsible particularly compelling is its unwillingness to conform to any single genre or expectation. It’s an album that thrives on unpredictability, switching seamlessly between moments of outright brutality and fleeting glimpses of beauty. While the intensity might feel overwhelming for some listeners, it’s precisely this unrelenting quality that makes the record so exhilarating.
Highly Irresponsible is a bold, uncompromising statement from a band that feels like they’re just getting started. It’s an album for those who crave catharsis in their music, a visceral and electrifying listen that cements Better Lovers as one of the most exciting new acts in heavy music. For fans of chaos with a purpose, this album is a must-listen.
