Hollow Earth- We Are Not Humanity tape review

Hollow Earth- We Are Not Humanity tape review

Heavy metal-tinged hardcore not unlike Shai Hulud or maybe a less brutal Earthmover (and with a higher-pitched singer, though that’s an advantage here), Hollow Earth’s first record starts off with a clean, menacing guitar piece that transitions well into the first song, which has metallic riffs played over mid-tempo 90s hardcore with somewhat fast drumming.  The shrill sounds and sharp words from singer Steve are features setting the band just a little apart from their contemporaries- the angry yet soft sound not fully dominated by self-loathing or hatred, but instead on intelligent critique is the distinctive beacon the band has.  They make use of the two-guitar setup that is often merely two rhythm guitars layered one over the other; here, there are a couple of non-dominant but present lead breaks in addition to the traditional chugging chords of hardcore.  The lyrics largely focus on a thoughtful, albeit disparaging analysis of humanity as a destructive species, which are higher echelon than the average band.  The first four songs (The Great Forgetting and On the Bounty of Gods are sort of one song) are distinguishable, but still seem homogenous when divided up- in other words, it sounds like a single piece composed of several parts rather than several different, non-related songs- the last song, however, is separate, seeming to serve as the epilogue to the story being told, and is also notably much slower-paced; it is here that the band’s record title is uttered repeatedly “we are not humanity”.  The riff that began the record also seems to play it out- everything comes full circle.
All in all, I’ve never been that into metallic hardcore, but this is pretty instrumentally sound, insightful, and tight record with an overall good story.  Definitely one of the better bands doing this sort of style right now.

Post-review note about the tape release of this record: the packaging is good, the songs are actually listed on the tape as well as the back, but there are no lyric sheets.  I can’t stress the importance of lyric sheets in any band’s release enough- it’s important to know what the band is actually singing about without having to discern the notoriously cacophonous vocals that anything related to punk has.

-Aunty Social

Knee Deep In Shit- Fucking Destroyed EP review

Knee Deep in Shit- Fucking Destroyed EP review

In a time when simple and pointed hardcore was no longer, this record and band were among the few to bring that classic hardcore punk sound back to Michigan.  Thirteen tracks of juvenile 80s hardcore delivered rapidly and only one minute at a time, this serves as a good indication of what the extreme music was like around 2002, that being an over-complicated set of bands who didn’t focus so much on having fun and being a misdirected angry kid, be it at heart or literally.  Fast, buzzing guitar from then-future guitarist of XBraniax Zach Howard, galloping drums, bumping bass, high-pitched shouted vocals… just mix Minor Threat and Negative Approach, and you get this.  Not a complicated blend, but given the time period being a punk rock oasis, it was a much-needed break from what music had become.  This is the kind of music adults listen to and cringe at- I like it that way.  Let this simple format and style of rock and roll never die.

-Aunty Social

Sectarian Violence- s/t 7" review

Sectarian Violence- self-titled 7” review

Fast, 80s-tinged hardcore with two guitars instead of one, they are not unlike singer Nick Tape’s other band Coke Bust; however, this band definitely breaks it down a lot more, and has more in the way of quotable lyrics.  This has a great degree of the “skate thrash” vibe a la What Happens Next, Common Enemy, Disco Assault, Dr. Know, etc., and that sound mixed with traditional youth crew is what Sectarian Violence has in store.  The two guitar approach undoubtedly sets the band apart, sounding better more often than not.  A circle pit would be an appropriate reaction to this band and record.  Pretty good stuff- not on my top five list of records of the year, but worth unearthing from one’s collection of records every so often.

-Aunty Social

Just Sayin'- Do Something EP review

Just Sayin’- Do Something EP review

Two-stepping, gang vocaling, hardcore-sounding youth crew tunes, this sounds like a more negative version of contemporary youth crew bands, ringing heavily of Cleveland’s Search Bloc and a more refined, more NYHC style of the Neos’ 80s hardcore jams.  If this was on the east coast, everyone would know about and love this band.  However, being from Texas, they are unfortunately not quite as well known.  Think if United Youth in about six or seven years became Disillusioned Youth (dibs on that band name in the future)- same sort of sound, but with more grit and not quite as cookie-cutter (although this is not exactly original stuff, it’s got the same quality Face Reality has about their  approach to youth crew, and original or not, I dig it).  Crucial music, though not an absolutely crucial release- worth buying a tape, though.  It would also be cool to see them on a split or compilation 7”.

-Aunty Social

Cadaver Dog- demo tape review

Cadaver Dog- demo tape review

Rough- sounding 80s hardcore with growlithe, raspy vocals delivered with invective fury and a misanthropic energy.  The low-fi production undoubtedly benefits the band here, and the simplicity is the adored quality of hardcore punk like this.  Like Loli & the Chones for garage punk and Slayer for thrash metal, this demo cuts right to the chase, to the forefront of a handful of bands bringing back that simple, angry, fast, and raw hardcore sound.  Circle and push pits galore during the short length of this demo, there isn’t any time to break down the walls.  Recommended if one can locate a reasonably-priced copy.

-Aunty Social

Better Times- Better Measures EP review

Better Times- Better Measures EP review

This group is a contemporary take on youth crew, positive and slightly left-leaning in politics; it’s fun two-stepping music and sing-a-long jams for those who prefer hardcore over punk rock.  You’ve heard these kinds of songs before, so don’t expect a new take on old music- that being said, this is among the better groups in that (sort of) east coast hardcore wave sweeping New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Virginia.  Reading the lyrics, at least these guys are grounded and not part of some hardcore celebrity and popularity game.  In other words, these guys probably live the words they sing, simple as they may be.  I really dug the bass lines and the mentioning of the Occupy movements- if you like Youth of Today, Bold, Ten Yard Fight, or Floorpunch, these guys won’t steer you wrong.

-Aunty Social

Disobey- Power & Greed tape review

Disobey- Power and Greed tape review

Beginning with a black metal “Oomph!”, one might get the wrong idea about this EP.  However, this is His Hero Is Gone worship with an occasional lead break or melodic harmony shared between the two guitars.  This is dark hardcore that sounds like sludgy crust punk- even the likes of Xibalba and Harm’s Way come to mind when jamming this tape.  However, this is definitely a great majority part HHIG, a larger minority part Tragedy, and a smaller part general punk/ hardcore influences.  In a town devoid of decent crust punk, this is a refreshing sound to hear at times.  I kind of wish they were from here, as it would be a nice change of pace.  Worth the jam, no doubt.  For the crust, a must.  For the punk, not quite a slam dunk.

-Aunty Social