Bitter EndIt seems Texas has finally garnered the attention they so rightfully deserve throughout the hardcore scene with highly acclaimed releases from the likes of Ten Crowns, Will To Live, Pride Kills, My Luck, etc,. From San Antonio, TX comes Bitter End, who play straight ahead hardcore heavily influenced by the NYHC sound, most notably by the greats like Killing Time, Breakdown and Madball. And these guys are further improving the status of TXHC with Mind In Chains, although a short lived 6 track EP (there’s an extra track that wasn’t on the 7" version) clocking out at just under 13 minutes, this release doesn’t waste any time getting in your face and letting you know the deal. Lashing out against the bullshit of everyday life, the hardcore scene and bitter betrayal with the intensity of the flesh searing Texas heat on a blazing summer day. The music treads the lines between the fast driving power chords and mid paced mosh inspired grooves while perfectly placed leads bleed through the sweat soaked tracks. These tracks were definitely written to work you into a frenzy that’s for damn sure. The production sounds stellar, with enough crunch on the guitars to put you on your ass, the drums sound crisp while the bass twangs away solidifying the rhythm section with the vocals mixed just right in the mix. The layout gets the job done with an Olde English font and a drawing of a guy in agony with his head getting whipped and wrapped by chains. Although what Bitter End is doing has been done and done again by countless bands, they do it with enough conviction to separate themselves from the legions of bands doing the same thing. I wouldn’t mind hearing some Texas pride though, because if I didn’t know any better these guys sound like they came off a corner of Brooklyn. The core is intact, next time around though I would love to hear some more Texas inspired sounds bleed through in their sound to help differentiate themselves from millions of other bands.
Rating: 3.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Caught and Meltdown
Thesis: A saddle blazing affair of fast driving hardcore with enough mosh to please any avid fan of REAL hardcore. Another strong effort from the lonestar state trying to stake their claim in the hardcore world. I wish it was a little longer and little more lonestar, but hey it’s enough and the admission price of $8 makes it worth picking up.