This one is out for a while, but it is never late for good music. New Death By Stereo album is perfect in any sense. This Los Angeles based band delivered one hell of an album with 10 songs of hardcore energy, heartfelt melodies, melodic guitar riffs, fast drumming, group singalong backing vocals. Above all, what I love about this band and what stands them out above others is trademark vocals of Efrem Schulz, this guy sounds like an angel while singing melodic clean vocals, also when shouting angrily. I just cannot decide which songs to recommend, but I will go with three: California Addiction, I Sing For You(part deux) and Choose A Side Or Open Wide. Perfect album and one of the contenders for the hardcore punk record of the year in my choice!
Rise Above are Dutch hardcore band and this is their latest e.p. that came out with WTF Records.
This whole record is dedicated to the memory of their friend and drummer Pierre who passed away in 2019. Now, the guys decided that quitting is not an option and made a new release through which they celebrate life and memory of their fallen brother. There are four songs on this one and the music can be described as street hardcore with metallic influences thrown in the song structures. Forever In Our Hearts is the song that hits you in your face and makes you sad while remembering all the fallen brothers and sisters from our scene in the hometown, I think it is the same anywhere and anyone in the hardcore scene can relate to this one. My Life Fuck You is hardcore miniature that says it all. Rise Above, the same titled song as the name of the band is another inspiring and uplifting hardcore anthem from the streets. Empty Handed finishes the little e.p. leaving you wanting more and I can`t wait for the full length.
Hangtime are hailing from Toronto, Canada and their new e.p. is for sure one of the contenders for best melodic punk record of this fucked up shitty gig and festival free year. The production is awesome, fantastic guitars with catchy yet simple riffs just make you smile upon listening and that smile doesn´t come off your face all through the day long after you finished listening to the record for the fifth time in the row. Songs like Too Many Days, My Only One or my personal favorite Start All Over don´t offer anything revolutionary new or special, but this is a lesson how you can do quality and energetic sing along pop punk/melodic punkrock without too much philosophy, just sweet vocals, great backing vocal harmonies and superb songwriting. I heartily recommend this one to all of you who love your punkrock driving, melodic, with personal lyrics that anyone can relate to and sing along with for days. Fantastic!
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 