I’m not a true fuss-pot when it comes to the music I choose to listen to. But I do listen carefully, because I believe that the music you listen to clearly defines your personality and carries with it a certain degree of sophistication. It’s easy. When I conjure up thoughts of Britney Spears, musically my mind effortlessly paints me a multitude of pictures. Trashy, dirty, low, and synthesized straight out of a recording studio.

I first stumbled across Living Things on an early morning radio segment. Listening to ONE single track off their 2009 record “Habeas Corpus”, I knew I had to investigate. So I did. I’m pretty much engaged in musical bliss. These guys know what they are doing. Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, America, this foursome have been in existence since 2001.

You’ve probably found yourself in a similiar situation such as mine. “Have you checked out [insert artist/band/group here]?”

Response: “Who? Never heard of them.”

That’s under-rated material my friend. Welcome to the world of under-rated music. This album is so strong, and conveys such a message that I have been inspired to write this very review to let people know of this album’s rare excellence. Lillian Berlin, the “leader” of the band, has a strong political outlook on modern day society. Berlin is known for his very blunt remarks when it comes to the “American Dream” being tarnished, and has frequently covered his controversial opinion in his songs. Habeas Corpus is cobbled together extremely well – this album flows effortlessly from one track to the next.

And if you’re like me, you’ll be listening to a select few tracks over and over and over again. Berlin’s lyrics are reminiscent of a complete rebellion against the ones in power – this album reeks of solid, raw and original Rock ‘n Roll guitar rifts which sound unequivocally true to the band’s musical aim. Mix this genre with a taste of driven alternative rock, and you have sweet success.

Stand-out tracks include “Snake Oil Man”, “Island In Your Heart”, “Shake Your Shimmy”, “Let it Rain” and “Oxygen”. Not to say the rest are plain-sailing – they are anything but average.

Pick up the album here, here or here.

Happy listening!

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