Russell HughesLife have returned from the wilderness with Moral Fibre, their first single from their second LP.
The tune is an anthemic and frenetic slice of art-punk that has irreverent lyrics running through it. Moral Fibre was produced by Foals man Luke Smith and mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer, who has worked with Parquet Courts.
The song is tongue in cheek but serious. It takes the piss, but has a real message hidden underneath it all – explains Life frontman Mez Green: “Moral Fibre is a stinging and frenzied shut up and step aside – a tongue in cheek reflection on the music industry, that beige scene, those that pimp poverty from Mummy’s detached house, those that trade in fair-trade cocaine and those that preach behind their keyboard. I’m taking the piss, but I’m deadly serious!”
Life carry with them an anti-establishment outlook to life that underpins their witty, off-center social commentary. The band hail from Hull, and like all good northerners they regard London and the way life in centred around England’s capitol with a healthy dose of scepticism.
DIY have called them “an unhinged depiction of modern-day punk” and they definitely tackle subjects that go hand in hand with the movement – focusing on youth and working class discontent.
Known for a strong community ethic, clever wordplay and energetic performances, Popular Music made it onto BBC Radio 1’s best albums of the year list and gained multiple playlist adds on BBC6 Music.
Life were also picked by the likes of DIY, Metro, So Young and Fred Perry Subculture as their ‘Ones to Watch’ at the start of last year and Steve Lamacq praised the band for being “weirdly uncompromising and addictive” when placing lead single In Your Hands in his best of the year list.
Moral Fibre is out through band’s own label Afghan Moon. Pre-order here.