On The Rise: Lifeguard

Rough Trade Records

April 8th, 2025

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Raw, urgent rock with a riveting depth of feeling.

Chicago three-piece Lifeguard have emerged from the city’s vibrant DIY scene, a fertile ground that’s also produced notable acts and Rough Trade favourites Dehd, Horsegirl, and Case Oats – just a few examples of the scene’s impressive recent wave of young talent. After meeting ahead of high school, members Asher Case (bass, baritone guitar, vocals), Isaac Lowenstein (drums, synth), and Kai Slater (guitar, vocals) have been making music together nearly a quarter of their lives.

“This album feels like confidence that we exist outside ourselves, that the basement isn’t just a vacuum.”

Lifeguard

Having crafted a sound that is both angular and atmospheric, through ragged sonic exploration and honouring a collective space for freedom of expression, the band’s debut album Ripped and Torn arrives a fiercely present and electrifying experimental rock record. It’s gorgeously noisy, textured and while the distorted, urgent pacing is reminiscent of icons past (we’re looking at you Sonic Youth), Lifeguard command a youthful edge that’s distinctly their own.

Following an early EP and lauded live performances, this next chapter channels Lifeguard’s unvarnished appeal as a punchy reminder of what guitar music can still do.

Lifeguard – Ripped and Torn

White vinyl + Rough Trade Exclusive photo print. 90 only.

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For fans of: Sonic Youth, Drahla, Horsegirl, Protomartyr

We’re excited to announce Lifeguard as part of Rough Trade On The Rise, our dedicated curation putting a spotlight on the emerging music we are the most excited for you to hear, to follow and become a fan of. Read on to discover more about the band in their own words and don’t miss debut album Ripped and Torn via Matador.

Lifeguard on Lifeguard

A self-penned bio

Five by Five

5 Qs, 5 As

Describe Lifeguard in 5 words

Punk-rock razor-blade clean-shaven flame-thrower play-time.

5 records you listened to prior to making your album?

PIL – Second Edition
Klaxons – Myths of the Near Future
The Make-Up – Sound Vérité
Simply Saucer – Cyborgs Revisited
The Jam – Sound Affects

Top 5 career moments since forming?

Shut down the Attic (DIY venue) for a year and a half due to fear-of-cops-being-called-on-many-dancers-/and-jumpers.

Rain electrocution in 2021 outdoor concert at Fitzgerald’s

Fan replacement of Asher on Ministry/Energie live because they learned the bassline (Massachusetts).

Completed US+EU+UK tour with an Extremely Broken Foot And Crutches.

Meeting ratso of Chicagogo fame (childhood idol).

Best piece of advice for an artist entering the industry in 2025?

Don’t let a house show lose its meaning (and keep playing them).
Make music without a plan.
Stomp on your cassette tapes (and release them).
Listen to records with your friends.
Don’t enter the industry.