Fight Like HellThese guys are from the Mile High city, aka Denver, CO for any you brain dead jackasses out there. This four piece has risen to the top of their local scene, and fast, considering they formed in May of 2005 and on a demo alone, got picked up by SCR.
You can tell these guys have been influenced by the heavier side of hardcore. They list Ringworm, Madball, CroMags, Death Threat, 100 Demons, and Corrosion of Conformity as their main influences. And the great drum intro to "In Guts We Trust" tells you right off the bat these guys will have plenty of metal influenced parts. As you listen on, it's more prevalent that these guys have some love for metal in their hearts. The effective metal esque leads that they throw in from to time make that quite evident. However, these guys are definitely a hardcore band. There's a plethora of two step parts, groove laden breakdowns, and gang vocals. Pair that with Joey's great shouting vocal style that has hints at some love for rab/hip hop this is one hell of a record.
In terms of the lyrics, they deal with mostly street and common man type issues, trying to rise up and make better of whatever situation you're in. I really liked the track "Money Matters" which touches upon the issue of kids trying to make the quick money on the streets as opposed to getting a degree because society stresses the importance of money and material goods. "Live That Life" is a song about the treacheries of making a life of dealing drugs. "Way Past November" is about leaving behind home and the people you love for going out and touring. There's nothing witty or clever about the lyrics they are what they are.
The album was recorded at the Motaland, which is located in Denver, CO. For the most part things sound good. I really liked the mix on the vocals, the bass guitar was okay but it had too much treble though, and sometimes it had too much presence in parts, the drums sounded solid. The guitar was probably my biggest issue with the recording, it wasn't terrible but it sounded a little too muddy.
Decent layout, that takes the simple approach. It gives you a good idea of what you'll be listening to that's for sure. It was designed by Juicy Joel, who makes some awesome shirts (JuicyJoel.com). The layout is pretty much all black with silhouetting to show the image of the wolf that actually looks more like a pitbull judging by the size of the snout which is fine by me because I love me a pitbull. The actual booklet itself displays the lyrics to all of the songs over silhouetted pictures of the band members.
Rating: 4/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Money Matters, In Guts We Trust and Live That Life
Thesis: Great vocals and plenty of groove. The sound is certainly that of a tough guy band, but these guys aren't mindless thugs by any means. Their lyrics are solid as hell and preach a solid message of doing things on your own terms without giving a fuck about what others think. Don't give in to the typical 9-5 lifestyle.