A Place Where Life Is Better is the debut album from Back In The City, and it delivers on every promise! Review.
A PLACE WHERE LIFE IS BETTER – BACK IN THE CITY
The dust of the desert and that of a capital’s streets share a common trait—they both move effortlessly to the sharp, dark rhythm of some rock tracks. This is again proven with Back In The City’s new album, A Place Where Life Is Better. The record brings the desert and urban chaos together, crafting tracks filled with smoky, gritty, and intoxicating atmospheres. It kicks off with the soaring Bullet In My Head, with its bright guitar intro that might make you expect straightforward pop-rock. But the bass and vocals quickly set the true tone for the track—and the album as a whole: deep and sinuous. Naturally, I’m hooked from the get-go!
Admittedly, Dyertainer explores softer aesthetics but retains that simmering bassline that grounds the entire piece. The sharply contrasted black-and-white album cover isn’t just for show. When Witchcraft hits, there’s no question—it’s instantly one of my favourites! It flows seamlessly, is irresistibly catchy from the very first beat, and is utterly unmissable! With Friendly Face, we’re back into darker, more unsettling territory—gripping in an entirely different way. Ghost Rodéo follows, with a particularly stirring progression that feels imbued with soul.
The interlude Golden Leetchies further builds the band’s aura before transitioning into Man Enough, a track that ponders existence rather than masculinity. Once again, the progression is masterful. The King continues to sprinkle desert sand amidst the glass and steel of the city with dazzling harmonies. After the irresistibly catchy I Never Know If I Know You, the band flirts with epicness in WMTD. Back In The City closes A Place Where Life Is Better with the melancholic Open Sky, a perfect closer for this debut. It’s a pretty impressive and rather polished album that ought to be listened to!
