Review / 200 Words Or Less
Lighten Up
I'd Rather be Snoring

Brain Drain (2007) Michael

Lighten Up – I'd Rather be Snoring cover artwork
Lighten Up – I'd Rather be Snoring — Brain Drain, 2007

Philadelphia is always shooting out new hardcore bands. Lighten Up is one of the more recent products of the city of endless hardcore. The members of this four-piece likely have extensive collections of Revelation and Dischord records, or at least that's what one would guess while listening to their music.

I'd Rather be Snoring is five tracks of super fast-paced hardcore with a dash of melody in it. Stylistically I would compare Lighten Up most closely to Paint it Black. They both play fast paced hardcore that is obviously aggressive, but at the same time showcases a tender size. Lyrically the band tackles topics of concern that would plague a kid in his mid-twenties that is super into hardcore.

This is a promising release from Lighten Up, though it is still rough around the edges. They've been writing since this was originally recorded over two years ago, so look out for their full-length that drops later this year.

6.5 / 10Michael • February 14, 2008

Lighten Up – I'd Rather be Snoring cover artwork
Lighten Up – I'd Rather be Snoring — Brain Drain, 2007

Related news

Lighten Up Post New Song

Posted in MP3s on May 5, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

Prayer Group

Strawberry
Reptilian Records (2025)

Standing between genres can act as a vantage point. For Prayer Group, sitting at the intersection between noise rock and hardcore has armed them with the necessary arsenal to propel their anger and frustration forward. And so, through a series of EPs and singles, this work culminated in their 2022 debut full-length, Michael Dose, where The Jesus Lizard methodology collided … Read more

The Goslings

Plexuses, Planes
Independent (2025)

For experimental rock artists torn between noise-rock abrasion and torturous drone immersion, one side usually wins. It is either a certain sentimental and ethereal quality or an oppressive noise dimension that prevails. But there are some acts that can balance between these worlds. Names like The Angelic Process, and of course Low exemplify this strange balance in different ways. A … Read more

Bee Bee Sea

Stanzini Can Be Allright
Wild Honey Records (2025)

I believe the first I heard of this album was when Wild Honey released the limited edition It’s All About The Music concept 7” EP back in July. Exclusively released for the Punk Rock Raduno festival, IAATM is a three song 7” but only sort of? The concept: one garage-rock anthem, three versions- one is slowed down, one is regular … Read more