November 2007 Reviews

Paradise? / Left for Dead (Conformist Inc)

by Barbie and the Hookers / RF7 (Split)

Reviewed by: Mook
First off I want to say that I FUCKING LOVE the sound of this recording. There is something so authentic about it. They've got a good 80’s hardcore sound: good vocals, bass, guitar, and drums; in fact the only thing I can find wrong with it is that it can feel a little too generic at times. However, they do make up for it with unique lyrics and song titles.

Now as for RF7 they actually are a great hardcore from the early 80s, and they show no signs of slowing down! The song “Left for Dead” is fucking good. What else can I say? This is a good 7” Split. If you get a chance go seem them in concert too, I’m sure it kicks all sorts of ass!

In a Million Pieces (Epitaph)

by The Draft

Reviewed by: Mick
After the demise of the much acclaimed punk-hardcore quartette Hot Water Music, the Draft rises with their ambitious debut album In A Million Pieces, with Todd Rockhill filling the gap of former lead singer Chuck Regan they set out to make a name for themselves. On their remarkable first release, The Draft proves themselves to be as tight and capable of a musical outfit as can be expected., and sets the stage for the next step in punk revivalism.

In the vein of former greats of the punk-hardcore genre such as Jawbreaker’s Dear You and Against Me! on Searching For a Former Clarity, the group has forgone typical poppy love songs or angry expletive filled explosions, in favor of hook laden ballads of angsty, yet thoughtful songs that touch on a verity of different and interest subjects. The band prefers to examine the more existential side of modern life, rather then the heartbroken. Something that works to their advantage in separating themselves from he fold. Indeed, if the group does touch on the subject of love loss, it is merely spoken of as a catalyst for a much larger and deeper pressing issue. Songs like Out of Tune and All We Can Count On are both surprisingly mature and intelligent depictures of an artist attempting to come to terms with his life, past, and mortality. Subject matters not normally discussed in such an in-depth way in punk rock.

While the lyrics and subject matter certainly will make an impact on the listener, they are not the only things notable about The Draft. They also excel in producing guitar riffs that are both original and intuitive in their progression, pulling the listener along as if by a leash through each song. There is something additionally distinctive in the way The Draft perform there instruments. Each riff is expertly synchronized to the vocals adding to the harmony of each vocal hook. Relying on a chunky yet clear chord progression that doesn’t bludgeon the ears, as so many hardcore acts prefer it to, but rather intrigues and emphasizes the underlying ansty desperation, and optimism that thematically runs through the course of the album. There is a real sense of cognition in the guitar work on the album and the composition is a perfect bridge to the pop punk- grunge influence of the 90’s to the more atmospheric feel the 2000’s. The Draft has really put their best foot forward on this album and it shows by setting a new standard for angst ridden, melodic hardcore, to not only get more smart and interesting, but mature as well.

Score: 4 out of 5

Our Way of Life (Nail Wall Records)

by Fear City

Reviewed by: Mook
This is hardcore Chicago-style Oi! It’s filled with lots of patriotism and south mother fuckin’ side skinheads. The guitar work is fuckin’ great too. Get this CD especially if you have Chicago south side skinhead pride. Oh, and Nupe (their lead singer) scares the crap out of me, he’s like the size of 3 people rolled into one angry skinhead.