Junior Pantherz — Death By Life

While Despistado might be the most famous Prairie indie band to break up before releasing a new album, they aren't the only ones. Just as the Junior Pantherz sent Death By Life to stores, they called it quits. However, the music must go on, and on their last release, it does with guttural guitars rocking out and Terry Mattson's intense indie-rock vocals (sometimes reminiscent of a heavier Elliot Smith) leading the way.

Opener and title track "Death By Life" gets things moving nicely with a catchy riff and angst-ridden vocals. It's not all stellar material though. "Hear About It" sounds like a tired homage to late '90s grunge, but all is redeemed with the final track, "Jammer," which — as the name suggests — is a full frontal indie jam assault.

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