There’s a timeless line in the film The Godfather that says “Just when I thought I was out… They pull me back in.” that perfectly illustrates my feelings about Hardcore music as a whole. For years now I’ve found myself greying out of a genre that for decades was at the core of what my music consumption and show attendance. Thanks to bands like Queens’ Point Blank. I’m still finding reasons to go back to the well to reacquaint myself with that old friend.
On their eight song banger “On the DL”. Point Blanks first post demo release. The Queens band shows progress in both the musical and lyrical department. One can’t help but feel drawn to the dark bass lines and angrily pronounced vocals on “Life is too short.” Everything from the cover imagery to the short bursts of early 80’s rage and discourse reminding this bitter old curmudgeon of what originally drew me to Hardcore in my early teens. Before the crossover. Before the tough guy posturing. Just Hardcore in its purest and most potent form. Archaic and beastly Hardcore that draws you into the vortex of the circle pit. Give it a spin on Bandcamp and decide for yourself. “On the DL” is available through Not Like You recordsin both digital and CD format. If you’re vinyl junkie like mysewlf. Keep your fingers crossed that itv will be pressed to 7′ inch format in the near future. JD
On their debut EP, Rockaway New Jersey’s Mr. Pink and their strangely named “Boy Chowder” fire on all cylinders to create something that moves, grooves and hits all the high notes. The opening bass line and guitar spiral that open “The Social Reunion” are exceptional and dare I say, reminiscent of early Fugazi material. “Lycan Pope” follows with more of a sludgy southern charm. Driving and groove heavy with story teller vibe. “David Lynch Always Win” continues the heavy stoner vibe with excellent results. While “That’s Using You’re Ass” follows a similar path to the aforementioned tracks. It’s the closer “Permicide” that leaves this listener with something he won’t soon forget.
It’s been a long time. Over a year would be a generous understatement since I’ve heard anything from Maplewood’s Polyphony. To be honest. I recently found myself wondering if their time together had come to a quiet end. Thankfully, Polyphony doesn’t to do anything quietly.
While “If you think we suck now. just wait til we sell out” is a 2014 release. Massachusetts Agree to Disagree and their ambitious sixteen song imprint are as new to me as last night’s bowl of mac n cheese.
Side A’s “Breathe In” is a real attention getter with its quirky guitar leads and shouted vocals. The song as a whole winds and twists its way too your heart. Punk rock with an emotional vibe that feels as Midwest as the band’s Minnesota routes. Side B’s “Perfume”, takes a more poppy approach to introduce itself. Though not overwhelming. There’s a bit of a Promise Ring feel to it. Overall, a good sampling of what Remo Drive have to offer. Each song having a different effect on me. While good, these two songs didn’t do much to solicit further listening. The record itself comes on [blue swirl vinyl.) Which for me personally, was a nice surprise. For more information on the band and any of their previous work. Check out the links below. JD
o the point and up in your grill with a fast paced, raw Hardcore sound that’s sprinkled with elements of Speed Metal. (Most evident in the bands potent guitar assault.) With six of the seven songs coming in at under two minutes. There’s really little room for any break downs or mosh parts, which is fine. Not bad for what it is. Still, nothing that would really inspire more than a casual listen. On the down side. Power Face have some of the worst vocals I’ve seen in quite a while. Something I would have most likely missed if the actual lyrics weren’t included. “Come with me if you want to live. Walk the road of fire and sin.” Lead me to think this band is either in middle school or just don’t have a lot to really talk, or in this case, sing about. Not that I’m saying a Hardcore bands lyrics should change the world. Personally, I just prefer a little less role-playing in my Hardcore music. Not bad, but nothing special either. Proceed with caution. Power Face don’t really offer much in the information department on their social media pages. Regardless, I’m leaving a link to the bands music. This way, you can form your own opinions. JD
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