Four tracks of riff-heavy, anthemic hardcore out of Buffalo, NY. The first track, “Give It Up,” starts with a chest-thumping march reminiscent of SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, and then it’s off to the races with breakneck rhythms and chugging guitars. “Chaos Unfolding” also stands out as an absolute ripper and includes a quasi-power metal guitar solo. I know that sounds weird, but it works.
From Germany, PHASE sounds pretty well-polished on their introductory four-track demo. This tape emits a brief and tidy blast of straightforward punk that’s just tough enough to be called hardcore. The songs have a clean and triumphant sound that is in contrast to their lyrics that paint a bleak picture, commenting on the conflict between a world drowning in capitalism and one’s own self-worth. It culminates in the reassuring “A World Unknown,” with its promise that “if your heart is breaking, I’ll be on your team” and encouragement to “seize the day.” In a genre that has always been abundant in depictions of struggle, adding in a glimmer of hope can be a nice touch.
Wow, this band really sounds like CONCEALED BLADE. You can almost hear the Scud/Flynn dual guitar attack. Not a bad thing at all, and I like the idea of a Germany/PGH connection. “Damage Done” is the best, but it all rips from beginning to crashing conclusion. I’m spent.
Solid youth crew revival stuff out of Germany here. I’m not sure if this would convert anyone to worship at the altar of youth crew, but the current members of the flock should rejoice at the effort given here.
