Not to be confused with a British new wave band from the ’80s, this is a review of the first full-length release by the Canadian power pop group Private Lives. They’ve just dropped their debut album, Salt of the Earth, and it’s an absolute delight from start to finish.
The album effortlessly blends eras, pulling in a mix of influences that keep things fresh yet familiar. The album title track, Salt of the Earth, kicks off with a Go-Go’s-style beat that feels both nostalgic and energetic. Psychic Beat (my personal favourite) channels the raw, off-kilter punk energy of the ’70s, bringing to mind bands like The Slits or X-Ray Spex. Then there’s Wrong Again, with its sharp, riot grrrl bite (with lyrics like ‘I just gotta say my piece’)—vocals that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Bikini Kill record, dripping with Kathleen Hanna-esque attitude.
What makes this album stand out is how effortlessly it fuses these different sounds. The guitars snarl and shimmer in equal measure, the drums are punchy and infectious, and the whole record has a gritty-yet-melodic energy that makes it impossible to sit still. It’s got that perfect balance of vintage and modern—raw, urgent, and packed with hooks. If you like your punk with a side of power pop (or vice versa), Salt of the Earth is well worth a listen.
‘Salt of The Earth’ is out now and you can buy it on Bandcamp
Private Lives Socials: Instagram/Facebook
Review by Hayley Foster da Silva
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