Triple ThreatThese guys became a band in 2004 when vocalist Tim McMahon and guitarist Ed McKirdy put together a hardcore super group so to speak, comprised of: Jason Jammer (Mouthpiece), second guitarist Aaron Chrietzberg (The First Step), and bassist Tim Kriependorf (Eyeball). After forming the lineup, the band put together the A New Chapter EP which was later put out on McKirdy and McMahon's own Livewire Records. Since that time the band played around the country which led them to signing with Bridge 9 to release this, their debut 13 track full length.
The music on this is damn good, and does a great job of mixing in their straight edge influences as well as their dirtier influences such as Black Flag, Danzing, COC, and Motorhead. The music definitely has a dark-eerie vibe to it, I should've known as soon as I heard the Evil Dead intro to "Obliterate", the albums opening track. The eerie little leads over the pulsating basslines are quite enjoyable as are the grinding mid paced breakdowns. Though most of the music is mid-paced they make sure to throw in some bursts of speed to keep things moving. I got to say, I really enjoyed this guys vocals, as well as the catchy basslines that are present in pretty much every song. The average length of songs are usually in one-two minute mark keep things moving and keep you from getting bored.
The lyrics are so-so, nothing that will make you want to listen to this record nor are they anything that would force you to turn it off. All of the themes have been done before and doing another song about Fashion ("Fashion Trends") should've been avoided unless they could've added some slick witty lines or humor.
This was recorded and mixed at the Labyrinth Sound by Mike Cassell. It sounds good, it manages to incorporate the right amount of rawness and professional recording. My favorite aspect of the recording is definitely the tone on the bass, real full sound with just enough twang to cut through the mix. The vocals sound good, they don't over power the mix but they are loud enough. The guitar sounds real good, plenty of feedback and ring back to add some rawness to it, but it also has a well rounded sound that has just enough dryness and fullness.
Simple but effective is the motto for this ones layout. The front cover looks very typical to something you would've seen back in the late 80's, a cartoon drawing of the band in a live atmosphere complete with the same shirts that they are wearing throughout the actual photos in the layout. The layout is mostly black and red with some white for the band logo, album title and lyrics. The booklet is nice and thick with all of the lyrics to the songs placed throughout with a band photo placed besides the text. In the middle, there is the dual page collage of photos which I'm seeing in more and more records. The black and silhouette drawing of the a guitar player in the tray art was a nice touch but man am I sick of seeing those X watches. It's funny they have a song about the fashion in hardcore, yet they aren't practicing what they preach.
Rating: 3.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Into The Darkness, Break It (awesome little squeals) and Obliterate
Thesis: Even though the lyrics aren't going to draw you in the music sure well.