Wow! That’s what I can say after listening to the debut full length by Brutala, hardcore band from Croatia’s capital Zagreb. Although this is a new band in the scene, its members are veterans from other bands, carrying at least 15 years of experience in the scene. The title of the album means Head Up in Croatian and the album brings uplifting hardcore punk energy to the listener and takes me back to my beginnings over 30 years ago when I discovered hardcore and why it is so dear to me and why I live the way I live through hardcore lifestyle. All of the album’s lyrics are in Croatian and they are personal but also bring that old spirit and flame to hardcore hearts. Music is a mix of street Euro hardcore with punk influences, some more metalic breakdowns and modern parts, with excellent vocalist whose voice fits perfectly to the song structures. My personal favorites are Prvi Kad Je Najteže featuring guest vocals by none other than Alen Rakić of Šank?!, also my favorites are Nemam Vremena, Do Pobjede and Za ekipu, all instant hardcore hits and anthems. Can’t wait to witness this band live, I am sure that live shows are fantastic. My reccomendation. Probably one of the best Croatian releases so far this year.
Massachusetts-based punk/indie outfit Little Low released their debut album and it is a little record mixed with hope, feel good and melancholy. What do we get here? We get 8 songs of melodic punk rock, more pop punk than skate punk, with nice almost ethereal vocals, courtesy of singer Christine, she has such a beautiful voice. If I must compare the band to some other band, it would be Tilt or Croatian band Kraj Programa. Lyrics are personal and more introspective, but I can relate to them personally, and I think almost everyone can too. My personal favorites on this one are Dark Beer Archives, Shade Of Grey and Heads Above The Clouds. This is a nice little debut record and I hope this band will deliver lots more of their great music. Ideal for listening and daydreaming on a sunny Spring day.
The Great Lie are hailing from Long Island, New York and members of the band are veterans of NYHC scene. What do we get here? There are six songs on this E.P. The music that The Great Lie play is basically NYHC in it’s roots but upgraded with so much more. There is melody, there is aggression but all mixed up in one great form. There are breakdowns but also some faster parts. Vocals are shouted, sometimes high pitched, sometimes almost whispered, sometimes angry and all times emotional, so I must commend the singer, who does a really awesome job. I don’t know why, but The Great Lie reminded me at times with some noisy parts of Helmet. But there are also faster hardcore punk parts like in awesome Rinse and Repeat which is one of my personal favorites on this one. Lyrically band delves more into personal themes, dealing with some personal demons, handling the everyday survival and I as a listener can relate to the songs totally. I am sure this band is fantastic live, so I hope they will tour Europe some time, and I hope I will be able to check them out. Great E.P. Also my favorites Another Way which is most aggressive song on the record and I love faster stuff. I also highlight Lay Down. Go check this one out!
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 