“GOOD ONES” – Live Well

After a six-year hiatus, Live Well are coming back swinging with their new single “GOOD ONES,” released on August 6th to hype up their forthcoming EP MORE THAN YOU CAN GIVE, which is set to drop on September 3rd (pre-save). The band wrote the songs six years ago, and after a long period of dormancy, the time has come for these tracks to finally see the light of day, unleashing their unique flavor of energetic emo/punk rock laden with powerful lyrics and mighty riffs. Fortunately for us, Live Well will be playing in Kingston on August 21st at Tubby’s along with hometown heroes Cellmate and Girls Wish (tickets).

Photo by Max Johl / Live Well

The band formed in 2018 after members Paul Masbad (lead singer/songwriter) and Max Johl (guitarist/arranger) went on a long cross-country road trip, deepening their friendship and establishing the band’s foundation of love, support, and mutual aid. The group expanded when bassist Luis Castro, drummer Neil Stafford, and guitarist Donald Perdomo joined the outfit, further fortifying their robust wall of sound. Through their earnest, sentimentally raw music and vigorous performances, Live Well has deservedly earned a devoted fanbase of friends, family, and likeminded listeners. The air of camaraderie that the band exudes is evident in their single and EP art, which are Polaroids of the band and their friends–the love they share for one another is palpable.

Photo by Tabletopography

In true punk rock spirit, the single is two minutes long and the three-song EP is eight minutes total. The songs are short, sweet, and succinct, leaving you wanting more. Frontman Paul Masbad elaborates on the single: “‘GOOD ONES’ is about a time in my life where I was one of the few people of color in predominantly white spaces. More often than not I’d find myself in situations where people around me would, maybe without realizing, say some pretty heinous and racist things to me…[It’s] a deeply personal track about racist microaggressions.” The song opens with chuggy, palm-muted power chords and Masbad’s vocals: “Walk into the party / I feel like I stand out / Put your arm on my shoulder / Open your mouth / You say I’m not that brown / But your friends think / I’m still yellow.” In comes the kick and snare, amping up the momentum–then the full band fiercely enters on the third time around and we’re rolling.

Photo by Tabletopography

While the sentiment of feeling unwelcome and alienated by prejudiced crowds permeates the lyrics, the music challenges the issue and confronts it head on, calling it out and into question. Masbad expands, “In a way, it’s my attempt to take back that term, ‘good one.’ It’s for anyone who’s been called that in their lives.” Through songwriting, the band is able to communicate their message more clearly than an individual would be able to in these awkward situations where people’s racist undertones come to the surface. “Relax, I’m joking,” is the common follow-up statement, to which we’re pressured to just laugh it off and try to forget about the incredibly wack encounter. But clearly those little comments have a way of staying with people and changing the way they think about those who utter them.

Photo by Tabletopography

Several verses build the song with layers of tension, and then at 1:20 we get the payoff: an infectious chorus that drops satisfyingly at the perfect moment. Masbad is joined by the other members, and with their group chant vocals the band sings in unison, “Tell me again / How dark my skin gets / Under the sun / Tell me again / How you feel in love / ‘Cause I’m one of the good ones.” The band repeats the chorus as the drums transition to half-time, breaking down the momentum, and the song concludes with a sustained, resonant power chord.

Cover art by Max Johl / Live Well
Presave the EP – out everywhere September 3rd!

“GOOD ONES” is but a taste that leaves you craving more–it’s a promising exemplar of the band’s distinctive sound and of what’s to come when the EP drops early next month. With this release, Live Well is officially back! Give them a follow, listen to the single and watch the music video (below), and definitely make it out to their show at Tubby’s 8/21!