Combined with the band’s landing at the musical crossroads of shoegaze and Pink Floyd, and singer/guitarist Allen Epley’s uncanny vocal resemblance to Jimi Goodwin of Manchester, England’s Doves, one could be forgiven for thinking The Life and Times must be British. Yet, when Epley begins to sing on “Que Sera Sera,” the opening tune on The Life and Times’ second full-length album, Tragic Boogie, about the last place that comes to mind is Kansas City, Missouri. But there it is – The Life and Times are the American Doves, albeit with more emotional detachment in their layers of guitars, a hard hitting drum sound recalling Clouds Taste Metallic-era Flaming Lips, darker chords and an overall envelope of sound that eclipses the words. It all sounds amazing, even if it doesn’t quite connect on a visceral level. But it comes close enough to warrant repeat listens and raise hopes for the next album. After all, they’re already a step beyond the previous one, so keep an ear open. (Arena Rock 2009)

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