BATO returns after a lengthy pause with a mix that includes early US hardcore and a frenzied, Japanese take à la GAUZE. In fact, the whole album is a bit of a musical tent, sheltering a number of micro-styles. Rapid-fire bass/snare beats and spin-kick-inspiring breakdowns all appear with stop-on-a-dime timing and frequent riff rotations. The sound quality is that of a beloved but ragged cassette.
Ripping hardcore out of Virginia that brings CAREER SUICIDE to mind. It’s all fast, with the attitude of MINOR THREAT, THE FIX, and other staple early ’80s US hardcore bands. The MVP is the drummer, who holds it down and hits heavy throughout the records, sprinkling in plenty of those JERRY’S KIDS-style rolls. My favorite parts of the record are when it comes up for air: the slightly slower and groovier fifth track “Better Way,” and the breakdown at the end of “Delusional.” Mosh worthy, indeed.
