Description

Rollins Band – Life Time – Compact Disc

Life Time is the debut studio album by Rollins Band, released in 1987. Fronted by Henry Rollins, formerly of Black Flag, the album features a raw and intense sound that blends punk rock, hardcore, and metal elements. The album marked the beginning of Rollins’ post-Black Flag career and showcased his evolution as a musician and frontman.

When Henry Rollins emerged from the breakup of Black Flag, many thought he couldn’t be successful without guitarist Greg Ginn. If anything, Life Time proves the detractors wrong. With Ian MacKaye of Fugazi in the production chair, Rollins Band was able to distance themselves from Black Flag with a tight, visceral, and sometimes bluesy album. While more abrasive than later Rollins Band releases, this is worth picking up to better understand the progression of Rollins Band’s unique style of emotional funk metal.

Rollins Band for this album included Henry Rollins (vocals), Chris Haskett (guitar), Andrew Weiss (bass), and Sim Cain (drums). This lineup brought a tight, powerful sound to the band’s debut effort. The album combines elements of punk rock, hardcore, and metal, characterized by its aggressive guitar riffs, heavy bass lines, and intense drumming. Rollins’ vocal delivery is raw and powerful, reflecting his punk roots and personal intensity.

The instrumentation on ‘Life Time’ is robust and driving. Chris Haskett’s guitar work is gritty and forceful, while Andrew Weiss provides deep, pulsating bass lines. Sim Cain’s drumming is dynamic and precise, contributing to the album’s energetic sound. The album features a mix of fast-paced punk songs and slower, more deliberate tracks that emphasize Rollins’ lyrical themes. The compositions are straightforward, focusing on delivering a potent combination of musical intensity and lyrical depth.

Produced by Ian MacKaye (of Minor Threat and Fugazi fame), the album has a raw and unpolished sound that complements the band’s aggressive style. The production captures the energy and intensity of Rollins Band’s live performances.

Life Time marked Henry Rollins’ transition from being the lead singer of Black Flag to fronting his own band. This album showcased his growth as a vocalist and lyricist and set the stage for Rollins Band’s future success. The album is notable for its raw intensity and emotional honesty. Rollins’ lyrics often explore themes of personal struggle, self-determination, and societal issues, delivered with a visceral urgency.

Some standout tracks from the album include:

‘Burned Beyond Recognition’: A powerful opening track that sets the tone for the album with its aggressive riffing and intense vocals.
‘Gun in Mouth Blues’: A slower, more brooding track that showcases Rollins’ lyrical depth and emotional delivery.
‘You Look at You’: Known for its driving rhythm and confrontational lyrics, this track is a highlight of the album.
‘What Am I Doing Here?’: Features a fast pace and energetic performance, embodying the band’s punk roots.

Life Time is an essential album for fans of punk and hardcore, as well as those interested in Henry Rollins’ career beyond Black Flag. It established Rollins Band as a powerful force in the alternative and punk rock scenes and demonstrated Rollins’ ability to channel his intense energy and emotions into his music.

Life Time remains a significant release in the punk and alternative rock genres, reflecting the raw power and passion of Rollins Band and setting the stage for their continued evolution and influence in the years to come.

Made In England

Fundamental Records

Track Listing
1. Burned Beyond Recognition
2. What Am I Doing Here?
3. 1,000 Times Blind
4. Lonely
5. Wreck-Age
6. Gun In Mouth Blues
7. You Look At You
8. If You’re Alive
9. Turned Out
10. What Am I Doing Here? (Live Belgium 1987)
11. Burned Beyond Recognition(Live Belgium 1987)
12. Move Right In(Live Belgium 1987)
13. Hot Animal Machine II(Live Belgium 1987)