Adam Rich’s You Can’t Escape Life is a progressive/alternative offspring of the punk era. Rich has pinned power pop down to science. You Can’t Escape Life is edgy and diverse, and Rich’s cast of collaborators work well together. Rich’s guitar and bass work is both innovative and classic, as he draws upon influences from the ‘70s and ‘80s but manages to create something fresh and youthful. The bandleader wrote all songs except “Vultures” and “Meteorology,” which were brought in by Jared Levengood, who also sings on a number of tracks. Other vocalists are Derek Deprator, Xela, Andy Elias, and Brian May (not to be confused with the Brian May of Queen fame). The lyrics are inventive, the concepts interesting, and the studio work impressive. With Rich on drums, bass, and guitar on certain tracks, the band obviously made good use of studio techniques. The recording, mixing and mastering are clean and professional, and the overall product has an underground texture to it.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2007 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.