The Afters Look Toward Forever
Posted August 17, 2016
By JJFrancesco_NRT, Staff Reviewer
The Afters are always reliable for strong pop/rock, and their latest record is no exception. Live On Forever has been delayed multiple times this year, but fans will finally get the chance to hear more of what the band has been cooking up.
The title track has been making waves on radio since late last year, and its epic approach makes it one of the best songs in the band's catalog. Unfortunately, I think it might've set the bar for the album too high, as many of the other songs are overshadowed. Still, there is plenty of the band's signature upbeat power. "Shadows" finds them exploring a bit of a techno side in one of the album's catchiest numbers. "Legends" is another memorable cut that makes for a late-album highlight. Whether it's outright praise or encouragement for the walk of believers, The Afters keep things positive and upbeat start to finish.
"When You're With Me" sends the album out on a quiet but strong note. Careful listeners will pick up on some subtle treats such as a soothing violin backing on some tracks or some really delicious electronic hooks. Songs like "Battles" feel a little too "add water and mix" compared to some of the album's real highlights, but are enjoyable nonetheless.
Overall, the biggest hill this album has to climb is the band's own high bar of quality. The title track and past hits have established a standard. While every song has moments of greatness, the package as a whole seems to provide fewer career highlights than past albums. Still, the highs are very high, and the lows are still well above the industry average. Consider this a win still worth your time.
The Bottom Line: Live Forever is enjoyable from start to finish with some of the band's best work featured in the title track. Though not every track is as memorable as the best cuts, all are still very well done.
Song to Download Now:
"Live On Forever" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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