Life Processes

The absolute beginner basics, for latecomers at the back: ¡Forward Russia! formed in Leeds in 2004, from the ashes of other bands that never truly went anywhere. They released a much-admired debut album, Give Me A Wall in 2006 following a series of equally respected singles. The 11-track follow-up sophomore release, Life Processes is a considerable advancement from the scratchily acerbic post-hardcore histrionics of its predecessor, and has been shaped with the assistance of renowned producer Matt Bayles (The Blood Brothers, Mastodon, Minus The Bear, Pearl Jam) in Seattle. Recording with the hugely experienced Bayles appealed greatly to ¡Forward Russia!; forget his enviable past credits, what was especially important was that he had little previous experience of the band, no real frame of reference that could conjure expectations. A clean slate was in place.