Expecting the Explosion

It's impossible to not hear the influence of post-hardcore acts like Cursive and Fugazi. But whereas Cursive wears its hardcore roots more as a weave that can be easily be detached, hardcore is a full-blown hairpiece for these guys.

On tracks like "Pass It Around," and the grinding closer "Kiddie Pool Conversation" the Austin, Texas, quartet lays on the noise at the expense of melody. Meanwhile, songs like CD opener "Steppin' Out," fist-pounder "Gone Wrong" and pulsing "Andante Please" sound like they came off a watered-down version of Cursive's Domestica, right down to the guitar effects and Rick Gonzelez's Kasher-esque delivery. They lack subtlety; they're also the best tracks on the CD.

While the band gets the sonics right (though they could use a little more clarity in their recording), they miss the boat lyrically. Either as a hardcore or post-hardcore act, the message is in the reading material, not the music. There has to be a reason for letting yourself wade through the noisy morass. Most lyrics are uncomprehensable, while others, like "I've been waiting here all night long" ("Promise Play"), just don't cut it. Get yourself some history, boys, then put it down on tape. You're almost there.

back to   Posted May 9, 2003. Copyright © 2003 Tim McMahan. All rights reserved.