Long time running California´s Atreyu are back with a new studio full length. I am not an avid fan of metalcore but this band has always been an exception from that rule, besides couple more. This band cleverly incorporates metalcore, melodic hardcore and nice use of electronics and samples in some song structures. Also, I always love that mix of brutal screaming vocals and then come fantastic clean vocals and melodic parts. These new songs offer some anthems that are going to be in my opinion standard parts of Atreyu´s setlist like Broken Again, Weed and Baptize. There are couple of prominent guests on this album, Matt Heafy, Jacoby Shaddix and Travis Barker. This album made me listen to it over and over again. Great catchy melodic guitar work, uplifting songs and energy is what makes this one a must if you like this kind of music.
Manchester’s melodic hardcore masters Fair Do’s return with a heavy new single. Casket is the first taste of their matured, heavier sound, which incorporates more jagged elements of metal into their signature technical style. This is their first release since the success of their debut album Leopards, landed via Lockjaw Records in 2018. Casket tackles the theme of late-stage capitalism, decrying that the things we love are covered in blood. In the words of bass player and lyricist, Josh Sumner, “We all want that lovely car or that new phone, but as we consume more and want more, death and the destruction of our civilisation approaches. Our casket moves closer to us.” The band have always been heavily politically influenced; they were described in the past as ‘a latter-day Propagandhi with a Manchester accent’. Casket is the band’s attempt to explain how the advancement of technology is marred by death – for example, the cobalt and other precious metals used in modern phones are often mined by children in poor welfare conditions. While companies try to sell us a slice of the executive lifestyle, Casket is a reflection on the ultimate downfall of humanity that consumerism could bring. Since the success of Leopards in 2018, Fair Do’s played a packed-out headline tour in Japan, supported the likes of Lagwagon and Cigar, played on the biggest stage at Manchester Punk Festival, and made jaunts to Germany, Italy and Slovenia. The COVID-19 pandemic stalled their live plans for 2020, but the break from touring has granted more practice and writing time – vocalist Danny Cummings has gained a new, catchier strain to his vocal, and he and lead guitarist Dave Speechley have added even more technical chops to their six-string skills. The band’s new music reflects the frustration and hopelessness of the working-class left wing in the past five years, existing in the time of Boris Johnson, Brexit and COVID-19. Fair Do’s have been writing and recording in isolation, during the bleak winter lockdowns, creating an improved, heavier, tighter sound out of a disquieting experience.
Canadian label Dental Records keeps giving great stuff to the scene and here is already third compilation of new music just waiting for you to discover it. This time, there are 13 songs by ten bands and I must admit that besides Ink Bomb and No Breakfast Goodbye all the others were total unknown to me prior to this record. I found couple of great bands to peel my ears and eyes too in the future, that being The Softer Side from Florida playing fast melodic skate punk just the way I like it. Also, The Young Rochelles from NY are my personal favorite with their Ramonescore reminding me of Teenage Bottlerocket in a way. Last Chance Marie from Canada are also great with kinda rough yet melodic punk rock delivering punch in my face how good their music is. Big Spin from Mexico are also fast and full of energy just the way I like it.
Another great compilation indeed and more great bands I discovered!
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 