Lifetime

ByLets Go Punk
Lifetime are a New Brunswick

Lifetime is an American melodic hardcore and emo band from New Brunswick, New Jersey. The band formed in 1990 and initially disbanded in 1997, then returned in 2005 after a run of reunion shows that turned into a full reformation.

How the band came together

Lifetime started in 1990 with singer Ari Katz (ex-Enuf) and guitarist Dan Yemin, rooted in the New York and New Jersey hardcore network. While many of their contemporaries leaned into a harsher and sometimes violent outlook, Katz wrote lyrics that focused more on personal and positive themes, often delivered in fast, compact songs built to hit hard and end before you could get comfortable.

Early releases and the shift toward melody

In 1993, Lifetime released their first full-length album, Background, which only loosely resembled the more melodic direction they would soon become known for. By 1995, the band settled into a steadier lineup with the addition of Pete Martin on guitar, David Palaitis on bass, and Scott Golley on drums. That year they released Hello Bastards on Jade Tree Records, sharpening their mix of driving hardcore pace and stronger melodic punk instincts.

Katz’s lyrics on Hello Bastards leaned introspective, circling relationships, youth, and disaffection. The record also includes a cover of Hüsker Dü’s “It’s Not Funny Anymore,” pointing toward a wider pool of influences than hardcore alone.

Compilations, final 1990s album, and the first breakup

In 1996, Lifetime released a compilation of 7-inch tracks and unreleased songs on Glue Records, with a European release through Day After Records. In 1997 they completed their third full-length, Jersey’s Best Dancers. With twelve songs under 24 minutes, it carried forward the same general approach as Hello Bastards. After a short tour supporting the album, Lifetime disbanded in 1997.

What happened after the breakup

After Lifetime ended, Dan Yemin went on to play in Kid Dynamite and Paint It Black. Dave Palaitis and Ari Katz, along with Katz’s wife Tannis Kristjanson, formed Zero Zero, which later ended. Golley joined Detournement with members connected to Bigwig, Plan A, Ensign, and Worthless United.

Reunion shows and the band’s return

In August 2005, Lifetime reunited for three shows from August 19 to 21, after Hellfest was canceled, where the band had been scheduled to play on August 20. Two of the shows happened in Philadelphia, with the final performance at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey, featuring openers The Loved Ones and The Bouncing Souls. Some profits from the weekend went to charities including New Labor, The OUT Fund, the Nature Conservancy, and Linda Ann’s Greyhound Rescue Inc.

The band then played three California reunion shows in January, hitting the Troubadour in Los Angeles on January 27, Chain Reaction in Anaheim on January 28, and Slims in San Francisco on January 29. On November 17, 2005, Lifetime announced they were officially reforming, framing it less like a nostalgia stunt and more like a band that still wanted to make music together.

In 2006, the band played South by Southwest in Austin on March 17, with a free show that accepted donations for breast cancer research through Shirts for a Cure.

Later label moves and the 2007 album

In late March 2006, Lifetime signed to Decaydance, Pete Wentz’s imprint connected to Fueled by Ramen. The band began writing and recording their fourth studio album, Lifetime, released February 6, 2007. In January 2009, Lifetime parted ways with Fueled by Ramen and later described themselves as free agents. In August 2009, they supported the Bouncing Souls for two shows.

Sound and influences

Lifetime have been categorized as melodic hardcore, emo, and emo pop punk. They cite influences including Leatherface, Rites of Spring, Dag Nasty, Embrace, Verbal Assault, the Cure, Psychedelic Furs, R.E.M., Minor Threat, Black Flag, Rush, Elvis Costello, and Billy Bragg. They’ve also been cited as an influence by acts including My Chemical Romance, Thursday, the Bouncing Souls, Saves the Day, Taking Back Sunday, Midtown, Stretch Arm Strong, and Senses Fail.

Members

  • Ari Katz, vocals
  • Dan Yemin, guitar
  • Pete Martin, guitar
  • Dave Palaitis, bass
  • Scott Golley, drums

Former members

  • Chris Corvino, bass
  • Justin Janisch, bass
  • Linda Kay, bass
  • Chris Daly, drums
  • David Wagenshutz, drums
  • Scott Saint Hilaire, guitar

Studio albums

  • Background (1993)
  • Hello Bastards (1995)
  • Jersey’s Best Dancers (1997)
  • Lifetime (2007)

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