The BlackoutEven though this CD came out last year, it was brought to my attention that this album was never reviewed at SicZine.com. Seeing that this is one of the best releases to come out of my home state (New Jersey) in recent years...I felt this was a grave injustice. The first band that comes to mind when listening to this 6-song EP would have to be Champion. They share that modern East Coast style that merges the classic NYHC bands; like Sick Of It All and Warzone; with the straight-edge, youth crew urgency of bands like Uniform Choice, Chain Of Strength and NJ's own Floorpunch.
The Blackout fully embrace all forms of hardcore with these songs. They are not original, yet they don't allow themselves to get cornered into one subgenre. Many hardcore bands become broken records. Bands like the aforementioned Floorpunch, don't last more than a couple releases simply because they deposit themselves fully into one particular niche. And as good as Floorpunch or any of these bands are/were at this subgenre, they can't remain relevant for very long.
If you look at some bands that The Blackout draw influence from, you'll see many similarities. Sticking in their home state; Ensign have had a long career (in hardcore terms) extracting different variations of hardcore punk to mold their sound that often varies but never strays. This is one reason you'll see Ensign on such diverse bills over the years. Now, The Blackout have a long way to go before they can walk in Ensign's shoes, however, I really feel their style of hardcore is universal and can be enjoyed by any fan of the genre. At times brutally intense, often urgent and equally driving as it can be melodic; this CD is a must for all fans of hardcore.
Rating: 5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Holding On; Roll The Dice & Solitary Confinement
Synopsis: This band could fit right in on the Bridge 9 and Indecision Records rosters. In my mind they are one of the most underrated hardcore bands in not only New Jersey, but the country as well. Hopefully they'll have a long career like Ensign and Sick Of It All. And on a side note: The Blackout are currently in the market for a new drummer. So NJ drummers get in contact with them through their myspace if you want to play with a great band.