Canadian hardcore punk band Cancer Bats took a detour away from their heavier influences for their fourth album,
Dead Set on Living. Vocalist Liam Cormier revealed his lyrics for the record had been influenced by indie rock styles, notably Fleet Foxes'
Helplessness Blues. Although this doesn't exactly detract from the band's roaring riffs and brutal drumming, the new album purveys a more upbeat feel than 2010's
Bears, Mayors, Scraps & Bones, with tracks "Bricks and Mortar" and single "Old Blood" touching positive themes of friendship, as well as an underlying anger that bristles throughout.