I Wanna Live
Sony/ATV, 2023
9/10
The Vancouver power-pop geniuses The Get Arounds treat us to 15 songs that touch back on the loud female fronted bands of the ‘90s, where plenty of alt-rock, punk and indie-rock moments are present and appreciated.
The thumping “I Want Something More” opens the listen with Lana Ryma’s bright and melodic vocals and crisp drumming that balances grit and harmony, and “A Long Way To Go” follows with Carman Lethbridge’s meticulous guitar fueling the soulful and driving rocker.
Moving towards the middle, the warm organ of “Cry Me A River” cultivates a more intimate landscape, while the blistering pace and anthemic qualities of “Good Times” will certainly get you looking for the nearest pit to leap into while singing along to the charming harmonies.
Closer to the end, “Don’t Come Around” places Damion Gray on backing vocals and Eric Lowe on drums for the firm yet cautious moments of emotive song craft, and “The Last One” balances tension with grace thanks to the firm rhythm section and Ryma’s diverse pipes.
It’s not hard to imagine legends like Babes In Toyland, L7 or even first wave punk bands like The Dead Boys When listening to I Wanna Live, and this debut certainly doesn’t sound like a band who just formed during the Covid lockdown, which we’re all better off for.
Travels well with: The Goods- EP; CC Voltage- Berliner Pilsner