All of This Life
All of This Life gives The Record Company's blues rock a fuller sound without losing the simple appeal of the trio. The bass and drums keep the songs moving, while Chris Vos adds guitar and harmonica around clear vocal hooks. It is a confident second album, with enough changes in pace to give its straightforward approach some variety.
“Life to Fix” makes the strongest first impression. The bass line gives the song a firm pulse, and the vocal parts make it easy to follow before the guitar takes a larger role. “I'm Getting Better (And I'm Feeling It Right Now)” keeps that energy going, with harmonica adding a brighter edge to the rhythm. These songs have an immediate appeal that suits the band well.
The slower “Goodbye to the Hard Life” changes the mood without bringing the record to a halt. The music feels carefully put together, even when its ingredients are familiar.
“Night Games” brings the slide guitar into focus, while “Roll Bones” supplies another welcome burst of rock energy. “You and Me Now” takes a more restrained approach, using gentle guitar and measured drums to leave room for the words. Its quieter setting gives the album a useful contrast, though it does not have the same sharp impact as the opening songs.
The softer material is also where the writing becomes less distinctive. “The Movie Song” has warmth, but the more familiar acoustic pop direction can feel repetitive. The record is more convincing when a strong groove and a clear hook arrive together. There is little here that changes the language of blues rock, and the best songs do not need to.
All of This Life works through direct playing, strong rhythms and an understanding of when to keep things simple. The slower songs make it a little uneven, but the strongest material is lively and easy to return to.
