Lifeguard, a young rock trio from Chicago, are having quite a year. They’ve just released their debut album “Ripped and Torn” on June 6th via Matador. The band consists of Asher Case on bass and vocals, Isaac Lowenstein on drums, and Kai Slater on guitar and vocals. Their much-anticipated album showcases the trio’s dynamic sound and features a total of 12 tracks, including standout songs such as “A Tightwire,” “It Will Get Worse,” and the title track, “Ripped + Torn.”
The band recorded “Ripped and Torn” at home in Philadelphia, working with producer Randy Randall, of iconic band No Age. This partnership has been instrumental in shaping the album’s raw and energetic sound, further establishing Lifeguard’s place in the Chicago rock scene.
Earlier in 2023 Lifeguard made their Matador debut with a killer five-song EP called “Dressed in Trenches.” This EP laid the groundwork for their debut full-length and earned them acclaim for its hook-filled melodies and emotional storytelling. The second single from Ripped and Torn—after the title track—is called “It Will Get Worse.” It came out alongside an arresting music video, directed by Eli Schmitt. The members of Lifeguard in the video, meanwhile, are comically pursued by a dog. A cool action scene that ends with a fall into the mighty Chicago River, it embodies the dangerous but fun spirit of the band’s music.
Lifeguard’s noise is a cutting edge mix of rock elements familiar to today’s young rock fans as well as their parents’ classic rock friends. Currently writing for their next two albums, as YOTR grows their discography, the indie rock trio is already establishing themselves with a fierce style and vivacious performances.
Lifeguard vocalist and guitarist Kai Slater rips through the set to a euphoric audience. He continues to dive into his artistic range as an artist, producing electronic music under the monicker Sharp Pins. This significant dual musical identity brings a lot to Lifeguard’s artistic expression and further establishes their unique, markedly developed sound.