When your breakthrough success comes off the back of a Bring Me the Horizon cover, it then becomes a question of how can that success be replicated through the release of your own material? Thankfully for Californian duo This Wild Life, their debut album ‘History’ was welcomed by widespread acclaim back in 2014, applauding their sensitive acoustic music.
From ‘History’ to their upcoming ‘Low Tides’, This Wild Life lay bare their feelings once again to deliver raw, visceral songs in a much sweeter setting.
Tracks such as the bittersweet ‘Pull Me Out’ and ‘Break Down’ cause the heart to swell and the lungs to come close to breaking point, as emotional and bruising singalongs are encouraged. ‘Just Yesterday’ shows off Kevin Jordan’s flawless vocals in full, whilst ‘Brick Walls’ is packed with catchy hooks.
An absolute highlight of ‘Low Tides’ is ‘Let Go’, the sweet female vocals complimenting the slightly rougher vocals of Kevin Jordan. The fantastic vocal interplay really pushes the track to the forefront of the album, making it one of their strongest songs. ‘Falling Down’, which is more upbeat and, inviting a full band for the chorus of “I know that you’ll be there for me”, brings home that euphoric feeling of being surrounded by loved ones who’ll help you when life gets tough.
What really makes this album stunning are the blossoming lyrics. “Don’t mistake physical affection for emotional connection,” resounds loud and clear in ‘Fade’, an apologetic track about becoming distant from a significant other. It seems to reflect the difficulty in finding a connection with someone who you have physical feelings for, but don’t connect with on an emotional level. This Wild Life write lyrics that are relatable and honest, yet also gut-wrenching and heart-breaking.
Stripped-back, raw, and vulnerable, ‘Low Tides’ is yet another fantastic and heartfelt effort from This Wild Life. Looking at the lows of life, as shown in ‘Red Room’, to the highs, like in ‘Falling Down’, this duo have written an incredibly strong album. Each song is written with flair complimenting a solid structure, with beautiful harmonies and catchy melodies. ‘Low Tides’ once again shows off how talented This Wild Life are.
JESS TAGLIANI