Pace and intensity are maintained for the majority, though there are clever sequences in this record that keep it from becoming repetitive, marking it as a consistent earworm.
A short 25-second intro in ‘Static’ offers one of the few opportunities for a breather in this rapid-fire album – a quick, sexy sax riff gently priming the ears before lead single ‘Animal’ takes over and begins to pull the listener along, whether they’re ready or not. “What are you waiting for?” it screams and charges – ride cymbal and melting guitars blazing alongside. At first this track feels like a bombardment of sorts, but a second listen assures you that Spring King are clever and calculated in their work. There are plenty of moving parts, but everything has a place.
Each track within A Better Life barley notches the four-minute mark, further instilling the idea that this band has got something to say, and they want to say it quickly. In the middle comes a barrage of urgent, attitude-fuelled cuts including ‘Let’s Drink’, ‘Paranoid’, and ‘The Hum’ before a short, choir-filled interlude allows for a quick moment of respite.
‘Us Vs Them’ follows and features a deliciously simple guitar lick leading into the chanting chorus – it softens the blow and allows for some movement amongst all the noise – before a cut into a cool, quick double-time chant cements this track as an anthemic standout.
‘Echo Chamber’ – and in particular its guitar solo/bridge sequence – really struts, while ‘Thick Skin’ dances along with more of a playful tone and rocks out in fine form.
Closer ‘Thunder’ takes things out in serious fashion, rhythmic bass underpinning the telling of a relationship running its course. “Thunder why’d you have to come and take me away now?” it bounces and chants along, slowly melting the album away and epitomising its moody, tense – almost agitated – feeling.
8.5/10
