LIINES return with As Shadows Fall, a five-track EP that captures the raw essence and punk spirit of one of Manchester's most under-the-radar bands. Short, sharp and right to the point, the EP will delight long-term fans who've heard these songs live as well as draw new ones into the hard, fast and uncompromising world of LIINES.
It's nearly twelve years since we first stumbled across LIINES at a late Sunday afternoon festival slot to about six people including our dear departed friend John Hall and eight years since their debut album Stop-Start. In the intervening period life and the challenges of being an independent band in a world where you need to work to live before even considering your art, they've released four singles (the last, Holding On, is included here) and played sporadic live shows, but tying up with Crackedankles for the release of this EP, they've found a home that matches their DIY spirit where these songs can finally see the light of day.
Look For You opens the EP with a punch to the gut in the form of Leila's drums, instantly recognisable to those who know them before a word has been sung. Guitars are down deep, dark and dirty giving Zoe's vocals space to sit dead centre in the mix. Without doing anything out of the ordinary, keeping things raw and simple, LIINES create something that's uniquely them. They adhere to the old adage that if it isn't broke then don't fix it, but without ever sounding like they're just recycling one song like some bands of this genre can.
Go clocks in at less than two minutes and sees Zoe asking the searching question "where did you go?" with a real sense of desperation in her voice which sounds richer and more evocative than before. The crispness of the production, from long-term collaborator Paul Tipler, makes the edges sharper and focused, adding to the impact of both the drums and guitars in creating the on-the-edge tension of the song.
Always The Same's opening line gives the EP its name, the song title its one line repeated chorus, powerfully delivered. Musically the breakdown is more intricate and ambitious than what we've seen from LIINES before without compromising on their DNA.
Wait is more claustrophobic, the guitars switching direction regularly to give a real unsettling feel, one minute jagged-edged and cutting, the next soaring. All of this is underpinned by the bulwark of Leila's drums as Zoe's vocals have a searching questioning undercurrent to them that creates a real tension in the song.
The EP finishes with Holding On, released as a single back in 2024. Taking the foot off the accelerator pedal without losing the intensity and energy of their previous work, Holding On showcases a more vulnerable side to Zoe's vocals, particularly towards the end of the song - and has a chorus that's simple in its delivery and content - "and I wait and I wait and I wait for you" but a real ear worm.
As Shadows Fall is a long overdue and welcome return of one of our favourite bands, both as musicians and people. Time and the challenges in making this record and keeping the band going hasn't dimmed their energy or vision and As Shadows Fall is a real triumph.
LIINES' official website can be found here. They are also on Twitter and Facebook
The EP is out now and can be purchased on vinyl and CD from their Bandcamp.
They support Deja Vega at Manchester New Century Locker (November 7) and Bis at Manchester Deaf Institute (February 26, 2027).
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