Lifehouse: Smoke & Mirrors

By Melanie Chung

Kings of the pop rock formula, Lifehouse returns three years after their last release revamped both inside and out. Gone is the grunge country image of aged and circus inspired posters and artwork and in its place is sleek, modern and minimalist. Its fresh and cool and not just for kids from suburbia or Smallville fans anymore. This time around Lifehouse takes on a slightly darker approach. It’s a bit sexy and moody, a new spin on an old band that’s seen me through my high school prom to my long commutes to and from university all the way through my journey of a full fledged professional.

...That’s a lot of years. And those years have come a long way evolving a band that easily could have lost steam or tossed by the wayside like so many others from their genre. Like Black Lab and The Calling just to name a few. But their growth is clear and exciting to a music fan. And fear not Lifehouse loyalists, the break up/make up/I love you/wedding songs still take up the bulk of the album’s themes.

All In opens Smoke & Mirrors, a classically Lifehouse sound, showcasing their best. Ridiculously catchy and melodic, it makes you want to pump your fist in the air and sing along at the top of your lungs. But the feel good, empowering pick-me up anthem is contrasted drastically by its follow up Nerve Damage. The Black Sheep of the album, Nerve Damage is experimental, disjointed, mysterious and possibly the most sophisticated track on their latest release. Its reminiscent of their early Quasi Modo, or really more like an updated and grown up version of said track. Much more polished and less emo, Nerve Damage plays with new textures and even a bit instrumental distortion. And my favourite bit: a bluesy guitar bridge, something entirely new on a Lifehouse record.

However, Smoke & Mirrors still has those somewhat stale tracks like the single Halfway Gone. Its catchy, yes as all pop is, but we’ve heard it before. I admit, my expectations weren’t particularly high when this was released nearly five months ago, especially accompanied by a video of perky kids released for summer vacation in this sunny car commercial. It was a bit too simple and a bit too predictable Lifehouse. If anything, releasing Halfway Gone as the first impression may even have been a disservice. With equally catchy tracks but with more oomph like Wrecking Ball, and Here Tomorrow Gone Today with a harder rock edge would have positioned the band in a new light. And as much as I believe that they were onto something with Nerve Damage, they do throw in the gooey Falling In, the big “I Love You” track of the album worthy of the next Shrek soundtrack.

Also released in deluxe form with four extra tracks, the extended version of Smoke & Mirrors comes recommended. Added tracks Crash And Burn help beef up the album and the rock ballad All That I’m Asking For nicely rounds it out. Even the country inspired Near Life Experience breathes new life into the album, introducing new blood and another personality to Jason Wade’s many voices. And for intense Lifehouse fans, another more dramatic version of the romantic Everything is included. Our favourite version thus far, but we’re sure these guys will surprise us once again.

Release Date: March 2, 2010