Highly Irresponsible, the debut album from supergroup Better Lovers, combines brutal intensity with unexpected melodic touches, bringing together the creative forces of ex-Dillinger Escape Plan vocalist Greg Puciato, Every Time I Die alumni Jordan Buckley, Stephen Micciche, Clayton “Goose” Holyoak, and Fit for an Autopsy’s Will Putney on guitar and production. This powerful lineup has created an album that feels both fresh and grounded in the best parts of hardcore, metalcore, and punk
The album opens with Lie Between the Lines, a relentless track that establishes the tone immediately with Puciato’s signature vocal range—from harsh growls to haunting melodies—setting the emotional intensity high. Buckley’s searing riffs are complemented by Putney’s dense production, delivering crisp yet heavy tones that allow every instrument to cut through the aggression.
Tracks like Your Misplaced Self and A White Horse Covered in Blood showcase Better Lovers’ ability to combine heaviness with an unexpected melodic undercurrent. Your Misplaced Self balances raw aggression with controlled chaos, while A White Horse Covered in Blood adds a more atmospheric depth. Puciato’s vocals and Buckley’s riffs blend seamlessly, highlighting the band’s strong chemistry and versatility.
Future Myopia and Deliver Us from Life stand out as moments of catharsis, capturing a feeling of release through frantic rhythms and sharp, biting lyrics. Puciato’s dynamic vocal performance across these songs infuses them with both rage and a sense of reflection, resonating with listeners who appreciate the expressive power of heavy music.
Superman Died Paralyzed and Drowning in a Burning World take a slight shift in tone, presenting a slower, more deliberate pace that adds a new layer of tension to the album. The album closes with Love as an Act of Rebellion, a track that balances rage with hope, capturing the core of Better Lovers’ musical identity.
While Highly Irresponsible does maintain a relentlessly intense pace, its brief melodic reprieves make it a rewarding listen, allowing fans to appreciate the complexity beneath the aggression. The album’s production, handled by Putney, ensures a polished sound without sacrificing raw energy, giving the music a powerful yet controlled feel.
In all, Highly Irresponsible marks a powerful debut that solidifies Better Lovers as a formidable force in modern heavy music. With its fusion of raw emotion and polished musicianship, this album is both brutal and deeply engaging—a must-listen for fans of hardcore and metalcore alike.
Release Date: 25-10-2024 | Label: SharpTone Records | Instagram
Tracklist:
01. Lie Between the Lines
02. Your Misplaced Self
03. A White Horse Covered in Blood
04. Future Myopia
05. Deliver Us from Life
06. Drowning in a Burning World
07. Everything Was Put Here for Me
08. Superman Died Paralyzed
09. At All Times
10. Love as an Act of Rebellion