Provoke/Tempo38What we have here is one band from Australia, Provoke (Brisbane, Queensland to be exact) while Tempo38 is from Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Provoke, who have been around since 2005, plays a style of hardcore that leans heavily upon the NYHC sound, look for the sounds of Madball and Skarhead. I guess you could say they sound a bit Terror'ish, but man even I'm getting tired of saying that name. Their brothers from another mother, Tempo38, have been around since 2000 and these guys fall a bit more towards the punk side of hardcore.
Together, both bands combine for 10 songs, each shouldering 5 songs each. First I will start off with Provoke. As I just mentioned they play an Aussie take on NYHC complete with rough and gruff vocals. The length of their songs are right around where you want for this brand of hardcore (1:30-2:30). They do a good job of keeping the tempo fast and aggressive while managing to effectively to sneak some really well done mosh breaks in. Also the gang vocals that are provided by members of other Aussie hardcore acts (Walk Tall, Onslaught, etc.,) add to the atmosphere. If you like Terror, Madball, Skarhead and pretty much just groove oriented hardcore, you'll dig this.
Tempo38 are as mentioned, much more punk oriented and even incorporate some melody here and there, though I wouldn't quite call it melodic hardcore because it's roots lay a lot more in straight forward punk. The vocalist has a pretty versatile delivery, at times he uses a spoken/talked delivery but for the most part he uses a strained shout. Their songs are longer than Provoke's, usually clocking out around 3:30. They do a pretty good job of building up their songs although now and again the songs tend to drag a bit.
Provoke's recording sounds good, it has a nice full sound that maximizes the tones of each instrument. The guitar tone is mean, the bass tone has enough presence to make me happy, the drums sound good and the vocals, as well as the gang vocals all have superb placement. Tempo38's side isn't bad either. One of things that stood out to me about their recording was the wonderful tone on the drum kit, the tom toms sound killer. The guitar sounds good for this brand of punk. The bass tone is twangy and really sounds good in this mix.
Considering the theme of the layout is built around the ANZAC (Australian And New Zealand Army Corps) ideology, mostly the "spirit" aspect, it was quite ingenious not only to have an Aussie and New Zealand band pair up, but to have the layout tie perfectly into said theme. The warplanes on the front cover, the wartime monument on the back of the tray all help bring out this concept to the unbeknownst listener. The orange/black matte stock finish looks good and the simple but effective layout of the booklet, displaying the lyrics vertically over three pages with proper spacing makes reading the lyrics not such a chore.
Rating: 3/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Provoke-- Warcry Tempo38-- Septic Proof
Synopsis: Overall, both bands have something offer but I definitely prefer the NYHC influenced sounds of Provoke over their New Zealand brothers, Tempo38. If you would like to decide for yourself check out the band's at their MySpace's.
Provoke
Tempo38
If you like what you hear, check out the label and make the purcahse:
Pee Records