The Life and Times • The Monocle
By Cory Weaver
Is that small part of your musical soul—the part you thought was dead and buried—craving a hint of emo rock with massive bass lines and kick drums that will make you think you have a heart murmur? Well, then this is your show.
The Life and Times, which includes Allen Epley, Eric Albert and Chris Metcalf, have been touring relentlessly in support of their self-titled album since its release in late April. And because life in a van when you’re in your mid-40s is awesome, they’ve added seven more shows—including St. Louis—to their 2017 tour, and will then take a break until May 2018.
You’re welcome, St. Louis.
The band formed after Epley, previously of acclaimed Kansas City-based rock band Shiner, moved to Chicago and connected with Chris Metcalf and Eric Albert.
Metcalf is a beast on the drums; Albert is a relentless force on bass; and Epley reestablishes his echoing, floating drone vocals that made Shiner mysterious when they weren’t blasting you to the depths of oblivion.
I had the opportunity to see The Life and Times this past July in Portland, Ore., at the Doug Fir lounge, and I can boldly tell you to NOT MISS THIS SHOW.
Tickets $10 (advance), $12 (door) • Show 8 PM • 4510 Manchester Avenue


The Life & Times at Doug Fir in July
Photo Cory Weaver