Expire: 'Pendulum Swings'

Expire - Pendulum Swings

Pendulum Swings is the brand new full length from Expire released on Bridge Nine Records. This is already one of my favourite albums of 2012 and contains some of the best quality hardcore I have heard in a while. With 12 new tracks, Expire are setting the standards high with the introduction track Just Fine kicking off this album which is full of power and energy and you can really feel the intensity as screaming vocals kick in. The consistency shows throughout the record with a merciless sound on every track. The songs are all under 2 minutes and are enraged leaving you feel a little dishearten but nonetheless is a powerhouse of a record.

Pendulum Swings sounds a little heavier than their previous material and which I think serves as a fresh sound for them. Don’t get me wrong Suffer the Cycle, Grim Rhythm and their Demo were all fantastic but this full length really breaks through with its hard hitting sound. I really like the tracks Spit it Out, Anxiety and Pills and a Promise which had me with my fists tight wanting to mosh around the room and gave me goose bumps on first listen. Expire have progressed well within each release that they have put out. There are a few more breakdown parts than usual that come out of nowhere, lots of two step parts and the album has a good flow to it from the instrumental parts from start to finish. 

The song structures are very similar track by track which is evident in Dig Deep, Abyss and Focus and shows a similar approach to their song writing. This can be a little repetitive but the aggressiveness and power in each song easily makes up for this. There is just something about their heavy crushing guitar riffs and hard hitting drum beats that leaves me wanting to hear more. The vocals are very angry and screamy which adds to the impact of this record and it just seems to take hold of me every time. Although the songs are short, this isn’t a negative aspect as it makes you want to repeat the record over and over.

This album has had a lot of praise since its release and to be honest, I can’t fault it. Pendulum Swings appeals to everyone in the hardcore scene, from older tastes to more modern tastes and if you’re into the more ‘tougher’ hardcore sound then this is the record for you. This album is very heavy; fast paced and is best left on repeat. Don’t knock this until you've listened to it. Pick it up here.

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Zombie Fight: 'Alive and Well'

Zombie Fight - Alive and Well

Zombie Fight are a New York hardcore band formed in November 2010. They have recently release d a new EP titled Alive and Well which they played a release show with Ashes Forever and Torch Bearer (wish I could have been there). First impressions are that this band is out to make a statement with their ‘in-your-face’ style of hardcore. They incorporate themes of negativity that surround the world, and after listening to this record there is a balance between the music and the lyrics, relating to real life situations. It is evident that these guys are from New York and can hear the influences coming through in the vein of bands like Sick of it All and Judge.

This is one of the catchiest records that I have heard in a while and pack a punch with their heavy straight up hardcore sound. Fiery guitar riffs are present throughout each track alongside the exploding drum beats and rhythms. Some the instrumental parts of the tracks do remind me of some of the older Bane songs, only Aaron Bedard’s vocals have been replaced with an aggressive attitude with booming and deafening shouts. Of course there are many influences present in Zombie Fight’s music but what I really like about Alive and Well is that they combine a variety of hardcore sub-genres to create a driving force of a record. There are many references to a failed society but even through the aggression there are many lyrics in relation to positivity and hope guiding us through a day to day life. 

Tracks Celebrities Think They Are the Best Role Models and The Decision contain some uplifting guitar riffs and faster paced drum rhythms and fits perfectly with the rough shouting vocals. There is a strong mix between the steady rhythms and breakdown moshing parts. In Reconnect the continuing riffs soon breaks out into some mad technical guitar patterns adding variety yet again. This record is well structured and contains some appealing music. The track Sick Of takes yet a different sound combining more old-school hardcore punk instrumentals which makes you want to dive around and circle pit. This is good quality aggressive music at its best.

My only gripe is the recording quality but the content within the music easily makes up for this. I don’t really have anything negative to say about this band and am enjoying Zombie Fights music. If you’re into aggressive tough style hardcore and enjoy confrontational subjects dealing with friendship, society and drastic change then this is a record you’ll enjoy. I guarantee it will have you moshing all day long! Check them out on the links below.

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Stereokiller

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Lay it on the Line: 'Midnight in the Bellagio'

Lay it on the Line - Midnight in the Bellagio

Lay it on the Line is a fairly new band, forming towards the end of 2011. In January they released a debut EP Midnight in the Bellagio, featuring 10 tracks of raw, melodic hardcore. For those of you unfamiliar with Lay it on the Line, a couple of the members were part of Phinius Gage and Not Katies. These may have not been the most successful bands at the time however the sound that they have come up with for this new band is very effective and I hope others get into it like I have. This EP contains 10 tracks, clocking in at around 13 minutes, so there is a good amount of material. Hailing from South London area hopefully to make their mark in the UKHC scene.

My first impression of Midnight in the Ballagio is you can hear the determination and effort put into the record. Although there is a lot of melodic guitar parts, which might not be to everyones taste, there is also substantial heavy sounding riffs, adding a nice touch between the lighter melodies creating two moods. I feel that the sound quality and production of this EP is slightly let down though, and takes away the impact of the heavier sounding instrumental parts. The opening track This is the Deal contains catchy chugging style guitar riffs and steady drum rhythms. There are some background ‘gang’ style vocals which spans out to most songs of the EP partly from guest appearances from Joe and Robin from Random Hand.

Lay it on the Line have created their own sound to hardcore and this strays away from the typical moshing macho sound and style often present in the scene today. Instead, concentrating on steady rhythms and melodic guitar work with raspy growling vocals that work surprisingly well. They have taken upon many genre influences, which include hardcore, punk, rock, and even a little ska; the song Oreo Speedwagon contains a part towards the end of ska-style guitar chords. Spread Thin has a breakdown, quickly jumping to the next track Easy Street, a metalcore style guitar instrumentals. It seems there is a bit of everything for everyone.

I think Lay it on the Line have a lot of potential with songs such as A Score A Drink, Easy Street and Midnight in the Bellagio, and with some development I feel this band can really be something. I am sure there is much more to come from Lay it on the Line and this debut EP is just the beginning. Keep your eyes peeled for future releases of this band and check out their music from the links below.

Reverb Nation
Stereo Killer
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