Review Summary: Very impressive for a 6-song EP and shows a lot of potential as they may become one of the top pop-punk bands of today if they can stay consistent.
Dude Manor was originally released two years ago on Black Box recordings but it's not being re-released on their new label, Adeline Records where their full-length, Make Your Mark will also be re-released very soon. This up-and-coming band is looking to follow in the footsteps of former Adeline label-mates, Broadway Calls as the label's next rising star and they definitely have all the potential to do so, as their Dude Manor makes a very lasting first impression.
Living With Lions plays a style of pop-punk which draws influence from bands like Lifetime and Daggermouth. They definitely write some catchy hooks and melodies, but the vocals don't exactly fit in with them. Singer Matt Postal has a very rough voice which, at times, sounds awkward when combined with their music. He does do his best to keep a steady melody and does fairly solid for the most part. The band does know how to write a great melody though, main example being in the chorus of "Latter is Better." The dual vocals in "Mark Has Bedroom Eyes" are also a nice touch. The four and a half minute long, "Colors" is the one low point of this EP as it suffers from being sort of dull, but still a solid track. Things pickup with "Mark Has Bedroom Eyes" and the poppier, "Said And Done" which is where the band really excels as the faster, more upbeat songs are the stronger ones.
Granted, this is only a 6-song EP, it does make quite an impression. The band's style is very slick and very appealing. There are also some moments where they display of technical musicianship with interesting guitar work, a few neat drum fills and excellent bass playing from Shayne Lundberg. Guitarists Landon Matz and Chase Brenneman also provide some catchy hooks as well as some hard hitting riffs as they are the core of the band's sound.
It's following full-length, Make Your Mark, also showcases the band's sound very well, only it isn't as consistent as this EP was. They aren't exactly anything remarkable or terrific but that doesn't prevent them from being enjoyable. Dude Manor also displays a lot of potential for the band as this is a rock solid EP and definitely some of the best pop-punk currently out there. Living With Lions could very well find themselves at the top of the food chain if they can keep this up.
Favorite Tracks; Latter The Better, Said and Done, Mark Has Bedroom Eyes
Originally Written for Scenepointblank.com
