Lifeguard Nights - Do Rock

Lifeguard Nights

Do Rock
self-released; 2015

4.3 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

Here are some impressive stats. Since 2000 Vincent Brue has made over twenty albums and five hundred original songs. His work goes under the name Lifeguard Nights and The South Jersey Seashore Lifeguard Convention Band and his recent album Do Rock is exceptional. 

It should also be pointed out that Do Rock is a tribute album to his band mate and friend John Dororkci. I think Dorocki would have been more than happy with the results. This is an album with vibrant energy, unfiltered emotion and enough hooks to keep you coming back for quite some time.

The first thing that really got my attention is the vocals. Brue has a great voice and reminded me of a mix between the vocalists from Wolf Parade and Man Man. On top of that the lyrics are poignant and often nostalgic but it never feels contrived or cringe worthy. The delivery is so honest and real you can’t deny it. 

The album starts with an instrumental piece entitled “Requiem” that does some decent rocking out and loads up the reverb on the guitars. Don’t call it post-rock. It’s a short but empowering opening that gets you ready for the powerful songs ahead. 

There is a Modest Mouse quality to “The Nightmare” which happens to be a highlight of the album. The lyrics immediately address the feelings he has towards his departed friend. He sings, “Everything's bullshit Since you've gone No one knows me like you did John.” The confessions are powerful and instead of leaving you feeling depressed fills you with life. Towards the end of the song Brue repeats the line “Into the nightmare The nightmare” while the music climaxes. A beautiful moment indeed. 

The energy and momentum of “The Nightmare” continues into “Do Rock.” It’s another success that feels festive and celebratory. The energy never diminishes and is ridden till the end of the song. “Lonely Drive” is another song that bursts with so much emotion that your speakers can barely handle it. The horns are crucial and the lyrics are as poignant as ever. 

“Spirit” has the first shift in energy. It is subdued and a bit more melancholy but sounds just as good as anything else on the album. The congas combined with the bass and acoustic guitar is spot on. “The Hell Of It” is quite possibly the most intense and definitely the most cathartic song on the album. At only a little over two minutes long this song gives Swans a run for their money. As the album progresses the other songs that were exceptional were “Onto the Other,” “Sleep Tight” and “The Dream.”

What Brue has done with Do Rock is a rare accomplishment. He has taken a very personal experience and used it to translate into shades of emotions that almost everyone will experience. I for one was moved by Brue’s sincerity, honesty and embrace, which created a moment of reflection for those who have died who were close to me.  Do Rock is a beautiful testament to the celebration of life and the pain, loss and mystery that surrounds death.  

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