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.
The idea for the band was started during the lockdown in France, when Fab of Effervescence Records started to write songs for punk rock project called The Lockdown.
The result is here, the album is called “Waiting For Better Days” and will be out on December 15, 2020 on digital edition, and on January 12, 2021 on vinyl limited edition via Effervescence Records.
They just posted the first single / video called “New World” ( this one reflects the current world situation) and you can check it here :
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!