I Prevail’s debut album is finally here after huge anticipation. So who are these guys? I Prevail became an online sensation after their cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘Blank Space’ went viral on Facebook. The events that have transpired since this has seen five piece post hard-core band touring across the states with Neck Deep and Hollywood Undead.
The opening track to the album ‘Scars’ is downright heavy and infatuating. Both vocal parts from front men Brian Burkheiser and Eric Vanlerberghe tie this song together, making it enticing to the listener’s ears, an aggressive way to kick off the album ensuring upon first listen that I Prevail mean business.
The song following this is – ‘Stuck In Your Head’ – sounds rather out of place. It appeals to those after a break up, a relatable track catering to its young audience. Understandable and in typical I Prevail fashion, it pulls out another catchy singalong chorus.
Title track ‘Lifelines’ follows, reintroducing the heavier vocals and rhythms suffused throughout the album, preparing listeners for the tracks that follow: ‘Come and Get It’, ‘Rise’ and ‘Already Dead’. The album’s first few songs show major resemblances to their EP and it doesn’t show any progression, yet ‘Lifelines’ holds its own and shows the potential this band has.
It’s easy to see why they now have an ever-growing fan base. Their infectious fusions of hard-core breakdowns and snappy crowd-pleasing singalongs appeal to a wide ranged audience.
This album is enjoyable and has some of the most exciting riffs shown on a post-hardcore album in 2016. Variation is something to be explored in future projects as the similarity between this release and the last at some points were uncanny. I Prevail do have a unique sound and make sure it’s there’s yet contrast would benefit the album.
What is next for I Prevail? Still touring as always, taking them up to the end of the year. This album has been perceived well and has been a hit for this fairly new band. The future is there’s to capitalise on, let’s see if they can do it.
CHARLIE CONIBEAR