“BEFORE I DIE” BY FOOTBALLHEAD IS ALT ROCK PERFECTION

Photo: Morgan Paije

Chicago alt-rock heroes Footballhead have been gracing our ears with banger after banger. Their first full-length LP was re-released via Tiny Engines this year, and it seems they have more tricks up their sleeve. Unmatched musical chemistry shines through their latest and greatest single, “Before I Die.”

Footballhead are experts at sprinkling in sentimentality without being corny. The song’s first few lines were inspired by real-life text messages, insinuating that Footballhead’s success is primarily thanks to the village that raised them.

Sonically, the band is defined by perfectly distorted guitars and a crunchy bass line that never gets lost in the mix. The rhythm and melodies are always locked in, providing unmatched synchronicity. No one band member outshines the others in any given performance, and that gives them an edge that sets them apart from their peers.

My only complaint about “Before I Die” is that it ends. Good songs should go on forever.

Footballhead always outdoes themselves; we could only infer that they will avoid hitting a sophomore slump.