Lifeguard from Chicago release their debut album »Ripped and Torn« on Matador Records. The young trio, consisting of Asher Case (bass, baritone guitar, vocals), Isaac Löwenstein (drums, synthesizer) and Kai Slater (guitar, vocals), has been making music together since his high school days, almost a quarter of their lives. Loud and direct, cryptic but with heart, they are inspired by punk, dub, power pop and experimental sounds in their songs, bringing it all together in an explosive Sound of Now. Recorded last year in Chicago with producer Randy Randall (No Age), the album captures a claustrophobic quirkiness that evokes the feel and energy of house parties and tightly packed spaces, where the ears are easily overwhelmed and ragged improvisations combine with the same power as melodic hooks.