As Lions – Selfish Age
Artist: As Lions
Album: Selfish Age
Genre: Rock
Released: 20 January 2017
via Eleven Seven Music
I’ll admit I was a fan of the past project of Austin Dickinson, Rise To Remain. I thought they were a fun group. Austin always came across as a competent and energetic front man. Every time I saw him live he did everything keep the show moving at a good pace and kept the crowd involved. I’ll admit I’ve not taken that much notice of his new band As Lions. So, when I saw the new album was up for a review, I thought that it might be worth checking out. I’ve heard bad things here and there but I’m going to listen to this album with fresh ears and relay some thought.
Selfish Age, for the most part is a pretty average album. I wouldn’t say bad, as they’re not doing anything wrong. There are nice melodies. The singing is clear and in tune, and there are flashes of inspiration here and there. Yet, there isn’t a point that I became invested in the album or what they’re singing about. Save for a few tunes that did stick with me a little. I just feel that this album could be much better. The guitars feel watered down a touch and all the songs have this really processed feel to them. It feels like a pop-rock album that wants to be treated like a heavy metal album and it doesn’t work like that. All the songs just meld together into one melody at times. Seriously, on certain play-throughs they do just mash up together.
I’ve been bad mouthing this album a little too much. There are good songs on the record. In fact, there are moments that I really enjoyed myself. Austin Dickinson’s vocals are absolutely brilliant. He brings so much emotion and finesse to the album. He oozes with charisma and brings a lot of energy. I like some of the tunes and some of the choruses are rather ear-wormy. It does come together at times. Although, it does come off as a little bland for my taste.
I liked it and I’m sure that they’ll have their fans. Though lyrics are powerful and deep with a strong focus on the problems of the current day. The production is a little flat and it feels washed out. It could have been so much more than what it is. If it was more full force rock, with more of a crunch to the guitar tone, it could have really work. Yet, as is it’s just an okay album. Not amazing but not terrible either. Just meh.
3/ 5
Mick Birchall
Valkyrian Music 
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