Lifeforms cover

Lifeforms

Angels & Airwaves · 2021

37 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

Ethereal soundscapes merge with soaring melodies to create a cosmic journey through emotions and introspection.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Timebomb Start here — Opening the album, this track encapsulates the urgency of self-reflection against an explosive backdrop of instrumentation, setting the tone for the entire project.
  • →
    Euphoria — This track stands out with its anthemic chorus and uplifting message, representing a peak moment of joy amidst the album's exploration of existential themes.
  • →
    No More Guns — A poignant commentary on violence and societal issues, this track showcases the band's commitment to addressing pressing topics through their music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features strong production and thematic elements but lacks cohesion in its pacing and flow.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Timebomb', which sets a fast tempo that is maintained through the first half.
  • Tracks like 'No More Guns' and 'Restless Souls' incorporate layered synths and atmospheric guitar effects, creating a dense soundscape.
  • The final three tracks slow down significantly, with 'A Fire in a Nameless Town' featuring a more introspective tone and sparse instrumentation.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo reflective journey
  • cosmic themes inviting introspection
  • uplifting anthems for shared moments
  • earworm melodies for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Ambitious themes and sound mark a significant artistic evolution for the band.
Themes
societal violence commentary· self-reflection urgency
Career context
Released on September 24, 2021, 'Lifeforms' is Angels & Airwaves' sixth studio album and their first since 2014's 'The Dream Walker'. At this point, the band had been experimenting with various sounds and concepts, marking a return to their roots in alternative rock while incorporating electronic elements that reflect their evolution over the years.
Stylistic neighbors
Muse· The 1975· Coheed and Cambria

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Euphoria

    The shift from introspective verses to an expansive chorus illustrates a transformative realization about happiness and connection.

Tracklist

  • 1 Timebomb Start here 3:58
  • 2 Euphoria 4:24
  • 3 Spellbound 4:17
  • 4 No More Guns 2:40
  • 5 Losing My Mind 3:52
  • 6 Automatic 3:23
  • 7 Restless Souls 3:47
  • 8 Rebel Girl 3:46
  • 9 A Fire in a Nameless Town 3:33
  • 10 Kiss & Tell 4:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata