Punknews.org LogoPunknews.org

Sign In | create an account

 
Learn - Life And... (Cover Artwork)

Learn

Life And... (2006)
Malfunction

Reviewer Rating:


Contributed by: Dan Perrone
(
others by this writer | submit your own
)


Published on June 27th 2006


Life And…, the latest full-length from Rhode Island’s Learn, is a testament to the statement “a little bit goes a long way.” What I mean is that even though Learn, upon first listen, sound like just another speedy hardcore band, the group adds enough of their own personal flair to the mix to keep things interesting, resulting in one of the better hardcore albums to be released in 2006.

Going deeper into my original claim, it’s obvious that Learn have got a great grasp (Brian’s alliteration has been rubbing off on me, apparently) on the tools for standard hardcore: quick songs, two-step parts, the strategically placed breakdown, and, of course, some gang vocals. However, Learn executes each of these aspects with just a little bit more expertise. If you listen closely, you’ll hear the extra drum fill in the breakdown. Your plain ol’ two-step is enhanced by some guitar noodling (the band is not afraid to make good use of the lead guitar with some serious shredding at times). Gang vocals actually sound like everyone in the band yelling into the mic, as opposed to what sounds like an entire stadium of people screaming some muffled trash, which adds some more honesty to the music. The production is top-notch as well; not too slick, but powerful all the same. For the duration of Life And…, Learn keeps it interesting without straying too far away from the traditional sound.

A lot of songs found here start off with a real bang. From the screaming intro to “Four Years,” a great pace-setter, to the intense drum beats of “Answers,” Learn grabs your attention and refuses to let go. With all of the run-of-the-mill hardcore out there, it’s an exceptional quality of a band to be able to keep hold of the listener’s interest, and I would say that this band does it with the best of them. Obviously with thirteen tracks in a little over twenty or so minutes there is bound to be some filler (“Reform”, “Is This It?”), but for the most part, Learn have learned from the best. Fine, I’m sorry for that one.

The vocals are also a high point of Life And…. They remind me of a less metallic version of Elijah Horner’s vocals of Killing the Dream, combined with Aaron Bedard of Bane’s enunciation. It’s never relegated to goofy Cookie Monster-dom, and always in your face. While nothing completely out of left field, the vocals keep the album feeling fresh.

I was pleasantly surprised with Life And…. It seems that Learn have got all of their shit in place, which is fantastic for such a young hardcore band. This album isn’t going to change the world or your life, but I’ll be damned if it isn’t worth your time.



People who liked this also liked:
Dag Nasty - Can I SayLifetime - Somewhere in the Swamps of JerseyCeremony - Violence ViolenceDashboard Confessional - Dusk and SummerUnderoath - Define the Great LineThe Format - Dog ProblemsSufjan Stevens - The Avalanche: Outtakes & Extras from the Illinois AlbumSinking Ships - DisconnectingSelf Defense Family - SincerelyWhen Tigers Fight - Ghost Story

Please login or register to post comments.
What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?
  • Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
  • Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
  • Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
  • Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.
    givemeamuseumandillfillit (June 29, 2006)

    I didn't really expect this to be so good, but it just keeps on growing. They're amazing live too.

    rinjonjori (June 29, 2006)

    This is just like Outburst and Uppercut. '89 era Blackout Records hardcore. I felt they were under rated and don't see how such a traditional Youth crew band could make it in this environment. Then again-- RJ just got signed...

    BizzleBrizzle (June 28, 2006)

    THis is something a little more than your average youth crew stuff.

    It's kinda got a youth-crew flair to it, but has lots of awesome solos and shit thrown in.

    Really good lyrics too.

    At least give 'em a listen to.

    SlowStupidHungry (June 27, 2006)

    I just read the review without listening to the band, as usual, and if it's YouthCrew and not East Coast Wannabe-Core (Madball style), then that's only a little better.

    Anonymous (June 27, 2006)

    Great record. Some good dudes. And the recording is fucking spectacular.

    Mute98 (June 27, 2006)

    i hears previos material from these guys and wasnt into it but they did have potential to make a great cd

    so ill give this a shot

    inagreendase (June 27, 2006)

    Proof that even the best moshcore brofest still sucks.

    Pretty sure this band plays standard youth crew. Nothing like what you're describing.

    ep? what you talkin bout biz

    A hardcore label reissues a band's demo with six new tracks or so -- the ones not run by nerds call it a full-length. This is the same deal, basically.

    joeg (June 27, 2006)

    breakdowns and 2 step parts galore? ewwwwww.

    danperrone (June 27, 2006)

    i might actually give this an 8/10 now...i really like it...

    ep? what you talkin bout biz

    BizzleBrizzle (June 27, 2006)

    This is probably my favorite EP of the year so far.

    Anonymous (June 27, 2006)

    blatantly ripping off lagwagon like

    Anonymous (June 27, 2006)

    you have no idea what youre talking about

    SlowStupidHungry (June 27, 2006)

    Proof that even the best moshcore brofest still sucks.

    Features

    Exclusive Streams

    Newest Reviews

    Punknews.org Team

    Managing Editor

    Adam White

    News Editors

    Kira Wisniewski
    Brittany Strummer
    Andrew Waterfield
    Katy Hardy
    Matthew Baldwin
    Armando Olivas
    John Flynn

    Video Editor

    Chris Moran

    Social Media Editor

    Justin August

    Copy Editor

    Amelia Cline

    Reviews Editor

    Joe Pelone

    Interviews Editor

    Richard Verducci

    Publisher

    Aubin Paul

    ISSN 1710-5366



    © Copyright 1999-2012 Punknews.org



    Other Places to Go

    Punknews.org Flickr Pool