Government WarningThese dudes are from Richmond, VA and are definitely a throwback back the sound of the early 80's (think early Gang Green, Necros, Adolescents), especially the sounds that emanated out of basements throughout California. This is the band's followup to their full length "No Moderation" that came out last year on Feral Records and it doesn't seem to differ much at all.
The opening track "Arrested" is in my opinion the best track of the four that are on this 7". Its got the perfect amount of intensity and speed but it's got a nice hook that makes the song memorable. The melodic break at the 1 minute mark was spot on and the throbbing bass really hammers the song home. The following three songs; "Manics", "Killing For Fun", and "Safe And Sound" are a bit more up tempo and are more intense. I don't think any of the songs barely get over the 1 minute mark, they blaze by faster than you'd imagine with Kenny the singer going off about being controlled by the government, pussy ass PC bitches, etc,.
I really like the nostalgic recording which sounds like it was recorded in a time machine. No lie, it sounds like an album that came out in 82', only with a budget similar to Black Flag. The bass tone is awesome and just plods about in the mix with plenty of presence. The guitar tone has a dirty/distorted tone that sounds good. The vocals have reverb on them and it works nicely with the context of the mix. The drums sound niiiiiiice.
Like the recording, the layout keeps it "old school" which a unfinished matte stock in an eggshell color with a silhouetted picture of prison cells. The best thing about the layout is awesome lyric sheet that is just a half sheet of white paper with the lyrics scribbled in hand with awesome little drawings. Personally I like how for the song "Killing For Fun", they used a drawing of some hairy legged man to display the lyrics. Good shit.
Rating: 3.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Arrested
Synopsis: Very good 7", if you love hardcore from what many call the "golden age" of hardcore this will be right up your alley.