At a time when greater New York hardcore was awash in macho theatrics, New Jersey’s Lifetime set their own course. Formed in 1990, the band adopted the melodic leanings of D.C. punk to record a series of emotional, intelligent albums that helped define the fledgling “emo” sound. HELLO BASTARDS (1995) and JERSEY’S BEST DANCERS (1997) saw them continue to evolve, but they abruptly called it quits shortly thereafter. Re-formed as of 2005, Lifetime parlayed the momentum of a series of reunion shows into a deal with Decaydance records and a well-received new album.