Fresh off the release of their new music video and , California post hardcore band IF IT KILLS YOU check in on our pages with their special list of top 10 inspirations for their upcoming album Invisible Self.
Produced by Jim Ward of At The Drive-In and Sparta, Invisible Self is an immersive experience: nine intense, radiant songs whose emotional weight and ironclad songcraft bear traces of Ward’s bands as well as Quicksand, Hum, and Drive Like Jehu (whose song “If It Kills You” inspired the band name).
IF IT KILLS YOU are: Justin Martin – vocals, guitar, Kevin Clark – vocals, guitar, Mikee Lee – vocals, bass, Tyler Patterson – drums
Fugazi – Repeater
Nobody can match them. Period. One of my favorite albums of all time. Still holds up today. The sounds that Ian and Guy can make from their guitars, baffles me. So creative yet so simplistic. Joe and Brendan are the glue that hold this masterpiece together. This album best represents, to me, what their live shows were like. Always influential, always on rotation. (Kevin)
Hum – Inlet
Sonically, this album, from beginning to end, just blew me away! After 22 years between releases, these guys picked up right where they left off. I must have listened to this album everyday for weeks on end. Their best stuff to date in my opinion. (Kevin)
Young Widows – DECAYED: Ten Years of Cities, Wounds, Lightness, and Pain
I wore this record out during the writing of “Invisible Self.” Their entire catalog seems to be well thought out and meticulously put together. But this record in particular has the hits for me. The song “Checked In/Out” is an easy favorite. It’s catchy but still maintains a dark moody vibe without forcing it. The cool just pours out all over this record. I also appreciate the fact that every damn one of their album covers has a skull on it. (Justin)
Hot Snakes – Jericho Sirens
Of course this would be on the list. We’re obvious fans of anything John Ries and Rick Froberg. These guys just get better with age. The latest offering from the Snakes is “chef’s kisses” straight downstroke perfection. The song “Why Don’t It Sink In?” is just bananas! (Justin)
Brutus – Live at Ghent
Such an amazing live album. Stijn’s guitar work and melodies add so much depth to their overall sound. The segues between each song are seamless. It’s punk as fuck while still retaining this overall beauty. Such a huge sound from a 3-piece. Big fan of them. (Kevin)
Quicksand – Interiors
This is a record that I always go back to. Front to back every song is solid. I love how all the songs breathe so there isn’t too much going on. It has a very melodic and dynamic sound. Which I really do look for in a lot of records. This one does that for me. Also, listen to the bass. Come on!! (Mikee)
Hum – You’d Prefer an Astronaut
YPAA was a game changer for me. The fact it wasn’t mainstream music and no one knew who they were is what made me feel like a magician, listening to it. Bryan St. Pere on drums was so interesting and played the most mind blowing parts. To this day, his sound, skills and dynamics are what I’m seeking to be like. RIP Bryan, you literally put me on a trajectory into the music industry for life. (Tyler)
The New Regime – Speak Through the White Noise
Ilan Rubin… wrote all parts, played all parts. Huge inspiration! He’s one of the best drummers and is building an amazing career for himself. His writing style especially when writing drums is why TNR is on my list. He’s consistent with his drum “themes” and says he loves to write parts as such. I’ve always done that myself and hearing that throughout his music and hearing him say those words is a confirmation for me as a musician/ drummer. (Tyler)
Unwound – Leaves Turn Inside of You
I’m going to be a bit biased here, but the bass lines and bass tones are so good on this record. I really love the songs in general but the bass is very captivating. So many tasty lines. “December,” for example, really lays the groundwork for a great track. Crank it, stat. (Mikee)
Drive Like Jehu – Yank Crime
Whenever I’m needing some musical inspiration I crank this record as much as possible. The time signatures, guitar and bass tones really kick you in the ass. This record is very interesting to listen to. Every once in a while you will hear something different the more you pay attention. Highly recommend it if you are in a writing slump. “New Math” is where it’s at, for me. (Mikee)
