Gut InstinctThis is some Baltimore hardcore history, recorded about 15 years ago, in a small rundown house by a man known as Krishna the engineer. There’s four songs in all, on average the songs range from 2-3 minutes long. It’s a shame the initial recording was so atrocious because not even a modern day re-master could salvage the sound quality on this one. That makes me wonder how bad the 1990 version really was. Usually I love the dated sound but in this case it’s too much, which sucks because these songs tear it up big time. Just straight up old school hardcore with a big NYHC influence. It tip toes between a crushing mid pace groove and a bouncy sped up sound. The vocalist has the dope talk/shout thing going on, which gets a big thumbs up from me. The lyrics also get a thumbs up, lines of hatred for the shady and corrupt with the gut instinct anthem. The layout as always from A389 Records looks magnificent. Especially the pre-order covers which have the old original cover with a bonus poster of the new artwork. They made sure to spell the bands name right this time around. The general release covers are smoking too, great use of colors on the drawing of the wolves hovering around a Baltimore sign. Even with the sub par sound quality this is till worth the 5 bucks. Hopefully these guys get back together and do some new shit and get a recording that is half as good as their song writing. Look for a cd with a collection of their material due out on Vicious Circle Records as well as A389 Records.
Rating: 3.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Gut Instinct
Thesis: A389 Records is paying homage to one of Baltimore’s first real deal hardcore acts, who have helped pave the way for great bands like the Slumlords, Stout, Bring It On, Next Step Up, etc,. Though the sound quality isn’t great, the material cannot be denied, the song writing is top quality.