Sometimes you just know when you are listening to a classic album. Like when I heard Gold from Ryan Adams for the first time in it’s entirety, or Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, there’s just something there that I felt and it’s hard to put that feeling into words exactly. Already Dead is also one of those albums. Formed in 2009, Timeshares began building their credibility early with the release of their debut album Bearable in 2011, which not only became one of the best DIY punk records in recent memory, but it also earned them a record deal through the always reputable SideOneDummy Records.
Most bands in the rock n roll scene tend to get a bit more ambitious with their sophomore releases, but instead of stretching out with experiments or dipping their toes into different genres, Timeshares simply tighten things up. Sonically Already Dead still sounds like it was recorded in a basement, not only because it was in fact recorded in a basement but because that very element of being under produced, is what makes this band so good. With that said, on this go around, the brash angst and energy from their first record has been turned down a few notches in favor of better directed narration. This doesn’t mean they have changed dynamics, it’s just a distinguishing quality of a well seasoned band.
In the past, Timeshares have been compared to Latterman and Lucero but with this record I hear more Replacements influence combined with a little bit of Superchunk, not a bad combination to draw comparisons from. There are times when the vocals flirt with early Taking Back Sunday territory, but on a mature level that keeps them from being grating. The best way to describe Already Dead‘s sound is quite simply Rock N Roll. The kind of rock n roll that is dependable, traditional, and effective.
Recently I’m going through a breakup (or ‘resolved friendship’ depending on who you ask, but I digress) and the first thing I do when I’m heartbroken, is reach for an album to drown my sorrows in much like an alcoholic numbs the pain with the help of a bottle. Being tired of listening to blues standards and much too old to sulk along with the emo bands I listened to ten or twelve years ago, Already Dead was just what the doctor ordered. It’s the kind of album that is the musical equivalent to your best friend buying you a beer to cry into and smashing the bottle out back when you are done. With songs about breaking up, the mundane ritual of nine-to-five jobs, taking responsibility for failed relationships, and even a song that asks “Can I call your sister?”, this album knows it’s place and resides there with blind confidence, cross-eyed ambition, and articulate expression like any good rock album should during those tough few weeks of a breakup.
It might be a bit unfair to apply my personal life into my opinion of Already Dead for this review, but so be it. I can honestly say that this record speaks to me. It speaks to the same part of me that understood upon first listens of those albums so long ago, were instant classics. Even when this chapter of my life (or love life, anyway) comes to a close, I know this album will remain as poignant and on point as my first listen because I know it’s just one of those albums. Maybe I’m gushing, or desperately seeking consolation to the point where just about anything would work? Maybe not, one thing is for certain; Timeshares have put out a classic record that I would not only recommend to lovelorn strangers, but to anyone who loves authentic, fist clenching, foot stomping, voice straining rock n roll.
Photo Credit: Mitchell Wojcik
Rating: 5/5