Dan Cribb & The Isolated started as a solo project for WA singer-songwriter Dan Cribb, former vocalist and bassist of The Decline. But, along the way it became so much more and something really beautiful. Dan was joined by Scott Connor (guitar/vocals) and Brennan Pagels (drums),. This new opus contains eleven songs which continue with way they started. That means beautiful heartfelt emotional punk rock. There is lots of melody in this one, especially in vocal lines which are so sweet and some of the songs, like for example chorus of ‘The Best of Whatever’ brought goosebumps upon my skin while listening to the album. I must admit that I enjoyed listening this album as one whole, these songs stirred up something in me which brought smile to my face and that is definitely not often the case. Songs are mainly in mid tempo punk rock, so don’t expect fast hardcore melodic skate punk frenzy with this album, but there are lots of tempo changes, pop punk sensibilities and for all that is worth, great songwriting to top it all. Some of my other personal favorites on this one are: ‘Addicted For Life’, ‘Fade Away’, ‘Full Circle’. This one is a keeper!
Do That Shit are hailing from Indonesia, and I think they are the first band from that country in this webzine. This is their EP or demo release, I am not sure and it contains four songs. Music of Do That Shit it hardcore, a mixture of modern metallic beatdown influenced hardcore and some fast old school hardcore punk like in my personal favorite ‘Obituary’. Vocals are shouted and brutal and I am not sure if they are singing in English or their native language. I must say that I love clever use of samples at the beginnings and ends of the songs represented on this little record. This is urban street hardcore, nothing new or nothing special, maybe a bit too slow for me but it has its moments.
Digression are hailing from Vancouver and this is their new release containing eight songs. I am always glad when I discover some new band that I like, so, Digression is one of those bands. These guys play melodic hardcore punk like it was played and how I learned to love it back in the nineties, without much philosophy or deep thoughts, only straightforward speed, great guitar melodies and super done vocal lines and backing vocal harmonies to go with the main voice. The album is mostly fast and delivers a bit metallic sound of guitars, at least I heard that in couple of songs, but maybe it is only me. Lyrics are personal, about not taking always yourself so seriously, loss of friendship, revenge of birds hehe, taking a bit of humor is what we all need in these times, being alone and many other themes. This album passes by so short in time, making you wish for more, and it is on free download, so go get yourself a bit of melodic hardcore punk to ease and make your day nicer.
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 