Private Lives - Salt of the Earth (2025) [Hi-Res]

"More musically accomplished, more obsessively self-questioning, and with equally energetic yet simply deceiving performances, Salt of The Earth finds Private Lives coming into their own. The Montreal group of hitmakers—vocalist Jackie Blenkarn, guitarist Chance Hutchison, bassist Josh Herlihey, and drummer Drew Demers—swerve through a bumper-to-bumper sprawl of charging vocals, searing guitar lines, and a bolting rhythm section that proves sheer rock ‘n’ roll is still very much alive. Where their debut LP Hit Record was a snapshot of a band in motion, Salt of The Earth is a perfect result of the group's rapid evolution, undercutting power pop conventions and challenging itself track after track. “I Get Around” and “Be Your Girl” refuse to keep their foot off the pedal with their snappy and primitive at best garage rock while the simply deceptive pop charm of “Wrong Again” is slashed, spurted, and jangled. “On My Own” bursts through the speakers with its one-two punch of ‘60s girl group melodies and “Psychic Beat” and “Dealer’s Choice” are a glorious jolt of high-power guitar bliss. In a time of derivative punk trends, Salt of The Earth is a refreshing take for pure pop for now people." —JM / Paperface Zine