TBTS Reviews: As Tall As Lions — You Can’t Take it with You

The quote is often misattributed to Che Guevara, but it was actually Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata who said, “¡Prefiero morir de pie que vivir siempre arrodillado!” Loosely translated as “It’s better to die on your feet than live on your knees,” the entreaty has obvious motivational appeal for those caught in struggles against economic and political power structures likely to defeat them. It’s a call to rise up, yet again, and make a final advance toward either glorious victory or, more likely, righteous defeat.

It’s also the phrase that’s been lodged in my brain since the August 18 release of You Can’t Take it with You, the new album from rising New York band As Tall As Lions (ATAL). The album’s centerpiece and standout track, “In Case of Rapture,” employs the slogan as its refrain, but with a twist on its political origins. By punning on the phrase “on your knees” to invoke the posture of prayer, ATAL turns “In Case of Rapture” into a rousing ode to spiritual self-reliance—a secular hymn. The song also indicts the excessive religiosity that leads to unwelcome, condescending evangelism and reminds us that we’re all sinners who stand not all that far above or below anyone else on the stairway to heaven.

Musically, “In Case of Rapture” and several other tracks earn high marks for blending elements of anthemic, stadium-ready modern rock with moody atmospherics, electronic flourishes, propulsive drumming, and plenty of varied guitar textures. Singer Dan Nigro’s voice is a powerful, soulful instrument. Thanks to Nigro’s honeydrip vocals and the band’s rhythmic prowess, a couple of songs including the title track drive right up next to neo-soul (close enough to wave at it, at least). Those who like earnest, radio-friendly rock but find Coldplay a little lacking would do well to check out “Go Easy.” Bluesy stomper “We’s Been Waitin’” is a fun, surprising palette cleanser after several more serious tracks.

You Can’t Take it with You flags a little in its final third, but the first eight tracks won’t be leaving my playlist anytime soon. Overall, it’s the kind of album, and ATAL the kind of band, that reminds me that fairly straightforward, commercially viable rock and roll can still be worthy of passion and enthusiasm, not just passing interest. In You Can’t Take it with You, As Tall As Lions has made an album worth believing in.