Inspector 34 is an experimental rock band from Massachusetts. They just released their brand new album titled Love My Life.
The intro to the LP lures you into a false sense of security. You’re thinking this will be an easy-going Beatles type track. It quickly morphs into something much more complex yet still 60’s/70’s rock inspired.
There is no doubt that Led Zeppelin and White Stripes were channeled in the vocal performance.
There’s definitely a lot of experimental elements throughout this record but the Inspector manages not to take things too far.
Every track is not only listenable but seems to flow into the following song. This is certainly meant to be listened to as a whole piece of music rather than taken out of context.
The breakdown in the second track “Everybody” gives me huge Mars Volta vibes with the manic vocals and pitch bending riffs.
“The Gray House” is the closest thing to a song you’d hear on the radio. The melody is pretty catchy and the track still has tons of character and personality injected into it. This song is the point where I realized post-hardcore fans may feel at home with this record.
“Let Down” may be my least favorite track on this project. It’s just a little too chaotic and juxtaposed for me. It feels like looking at a piece of art in a museum where I’m not quite sure on the intention.
“Thick Bolonga” seems to be the most 90’s grunge influenced track. The vocals would make Silverchair cower and the driving guitar riffs have that perfect amount of feedback.
“My” feels like a Pixies song I haven’t heard yet. It feels almost like sitting at a band practice and watching as they bend reality as you know it. There’s a strange moment at the end of the song that will really throw you for a loop.
“Grow Old” starts out with sparkly guitar plucks that pull you from the dark into this seemingly bright and positive light. This one has a jam band feel to it that I can really appreciate. Perhaps unintentionally, the has channeled My Morning Jacket in a way that’s super comforting.
“Life” serves as a sort of interlude to bring us into the finale of the record. A mostly instrumental track with some of the most experimental moments of the whole LP.
“Slake” is a new wave epic. This song is super dynamic and is a stand out track off this release.
“False Prophets” brings the energy with an intro that will force you to at least tap your foot. Pay attention at the 40 second mark and you’ll notice just a slight ska influence peeking in.
“Ride the River of Light (Screaming into The Void)” is by far the longest track on this album. It’s an 8-minute journey through another world. It feels like we’re traversing an unknown forest with our own personal soundtrack. There are a few jarring moments and overall you’re left with this feeling that genre doesn’t matter. Here’s a band who clearly loves all types of music and found a way to blend them together while finding their own style.