Artist The Life And Times

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The Life And Times

That The Life And Times’ Tragic Boogie is being released on Arena Rock is one of the rare instances when that label’s name isn’t being applied ironically: The Kansas City band specializes in big-and-shiny guitar sounds and barn-door drums meant for sold-out stadiums, even if the group is still plying its soaring, ’80s-inspired rock on club stages. Tragic delivers on the promises of 2005’s fine Suburban Hymns, edging away from the formula of Swervedriver-esque shoegaze textures and arms-open U2 choruses that pegged its earlier work as mere homage. The disc moves toward a more distinct sound, one that comes closer to the icy post-punk shimmer of Interpol or Doves.

Updated 04/02/2009