Striking is a good term to describe Living or Dying by Childe. The most immediately noticeable thing about this album is the actual sound of it. It's rough, dirty and loud.

Things kick off with an atmospheric and somewhat dissonant piano melody in the titular track which then explodes into what is definitely one of the stand-out tracks on the record. It sets the tone, musically and thematically. Lines like "Death and violence / Blood and fear / Frantically searching / For meaning here" delve deep into the theme of the meaning of life and all the pain that comes with it. Although this theme is very heavy-handed throughout, and at times a bit too much so, there are moments of a more personable nature, such as a song about anxiety or the excellent feminism type song overtly named "This Song Is For Men." It pleased me greatly to see a dude pushing feminism and definitely makes me like the album more. Some songs are like a punch in the face, like the fierce "Depression," but there also more chilled songs like the very poppy "Modern World" or the acoustic closing track.

There are a couple of downsides though. The vocals get kinda annoying on some songs and I could see myself starting to skip them on later listens. The album also has some moments where it drags a little bit. Despite this, if I was reviewing the guitar riffs alone, I'd give the record a solid 10. The guitars, specially the rhythm, absolutely kick ass and the album is worth it just for that. The drums are tight and powerful and there are some really nice basslines that jump out, and I really like the creepy piano melodies that sneak in and out of songs.

Living or Dying is a really cool album from what seems to be a really cool band/solo project/whatever of the Zen Fuck-Ups. The overall vide, sound character, fantastic riffs and never ceasing sense of urgency vastly outweigh the minor gripes I have. The songs explode by in a rage of fear, confusion and morbidity, all tied to the central theme of Life and Death and the difference between.