April 5th, 2012 
James Shotwell 
Artist: At the Skylines
Album: The Secrets to Life
Genre: Alternative/hardcore
Label: Roadrunner Records
Relative newcomers to the Roadrunner family, At the Skylines were signed on the basis of their impressive, self-titled EP and that same promise is vividly evident on their debut full-length. The Secrets to Life comes from the same line of melodic hardcore as the likes of Attack Attack!, crafting asymmetrical, staccato songs that are as brutal as they are soft-centred. This unpredictable structure works better on some tracks than others. It can seem very forced and unnecessary at times, but for other songs it is invigorating; infusing the music with a life and thriving energy. The album feels like a grower – perplexing slightly on first listen but endearing gradually as you revisit it.
Part of this is down to the fact that there’s so much going on at any given moment, it’s difficult to appreciate all of it. “Hush,” the first song, is trudging and deliberately aloof, mixing in some odd classical vagaries to create something compelling (if slightly bemusing). The guitars are powerful and brutal and hold up well next to a particularly searing vocal interplay. Of the two styles, the clean singing adds more to the song, bringing a sense of harmony and fluidity to what might otherwise be too dark and alienating. Later songs also benefit from this evocative set-up. “Shady Dreamin’” jettisons some of their heavier intentions in favour of an overtly poppy riff and ridiculously catchy chorus. It’s more open and accessible than the other tracks, carefully working melodic elements into its instruments to give it a lighter touch. “Let’s Burn This” lays firm foundations with an ominous, intriguing overture, before launching headlong into a wild chorus with rancorous guitar work. “The Amazing Atom” has a really strong opening and another brilliantly involving chorus. The band brings an impressive ferocity and robustness to their sound, rooting all in something acerbic and ensuring the sentiment never becomes too intense.
With songs like these, the band aims high and succeeds. Their work is dramatic, visceral, and intensive – the best aural workout you’re likely to have in a while. However, this promise isn’t always fulfilled elsewhere. Some of the add-ons and synth are clunky and can sound a little suspicious, as though they’re sampling a little bit of everything popular to ensure they reach the widest audience possible. “Turbulence” for instance gets a little too carried away with its backing effects, morphing into a pop song bathed in amplifiers. It’s interesting, but bizarre at the same time. “Chapter 7” also doesn’t quite work. The converging vocals are as anarchic as ever, but the addition of vacant pianos in some pretence at class and status is awkward and clashes jarringly with the other harmonies. “It’s Cherried” seems unsure of itself and gets stuck in its own corrosive mire.
Yet, all things considered, the band reserves their kookiest offering til last. “Forgiveness” uses a discordant piano to bring a twinkling lightness to the album’s final throes. It develops more body and bite as it develops but retains this hollow melodic tint, making it perhaps the most accomplished example of their genre-splicing work. It’s an intriguing and aptly compelling conclusion to what is, largely, a fine album.
While there are a few understandable slip-ups here, The Secrets to Life showcases a young and willing band on the cusp of something great. The album is honest and well-meaning and alive with a spirited determination. Its firebrand mixture of menace and loftiness may not appeal to everyone, but if you need a gruelling hardcore shake-up this is perfect.
SCORE: 8/10
Review written by Grace Duffy
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