Solvent

Reviews

Solvent Mockery of Life cassette

The debut EP from Brooklyn post-hardcore outfit SOLVENT is a captivating and visceral introduction to the band’s distinctive sound. Post-hardcore can be more of an umbrella term—in this case, as the tag may serve several distinctive bands that sometimes sound nothing alike. In this case, I am referring to them as post-hardcore in relation to bands like SACCHARINE TRUST or UNWOUND, and maybe some of the SST and Dischord titles. In under eight minutes, SOLVENT delivers three tracks that are impressively nuanced, and showcase their songwriting abilities. With its raw emotional power, technical prowess, and uncompromising vision, this release is an essential listen.

Solvent Demo 2020 cassette

I mean, this shit just sounds like the cover art, really. How many side shots of crudely drawn skulls with daggers through them can one punk suffer? I mean, fuck, despite my whinging, it’s a good demo. The songs are fast as all fuck, faster than your average contemporary (ooh la la) D-beat at least, which is a plus considering the seemingly endless wave of mid-paced bullshit lately. The vocals have a hiss and snarl to them that only comes out occasionally, but when it does, fuck me if it doesn’t rip. This fucker was over before it began and I’m glad for that; I hope this lot stick to 7″s and tapes and don’t succumb to the ultimate in modern punk trappings and resort to an LP—this shit is fast as all fuck and vicious sounding, a quality I think would be lost on a 12″.