Corey Williams scares me. Now, this isn't anything bad because Williams is a great guy. But add a microphone and a stage - or maybe just a microphone - and this man turns into someone that you probably don't want to meet in a darken alleyway.
If Mr. Williams is scary, Internal Affairs frightens me to death. After several prominent releases including a debut 7' and splits with Last Nerve and Allegiance, the band gives us their debut full-length. I use the term full-length loosely because the album clocks in at barely 20 minutes, which is my only complaint. However, the minute I finish listening to it I want to listen to the record again.
Musically, if you've heard Internal Affairs before, the basic style is still present. The noticeable additions to the band's sound are due to the new blood added to the band. Since the last record, Internal Affairs has added both Todd Jones of Carry On and Terror fame and Greg Bacon of Stand and Fight, also ex-Carry On, to their lineup and I have to say this is the best and strongest Internal Affairs lineup that has existed in the band's short career. Jones especially adds to the band with some solo work reminiscent of his parts in Snake Eyes.
Williams' voice has also changed since the last record sounding rawer and strained as he belts out the thirtieth 'fuck you' of the album. I definitely rate him as one of the best vocalists in the hardcore scene today. Joining Williams on the record is a buffet of west coast hardcore all-stars doing guest spots including Martin Stewart from Donnybrook, Bo Thompson from Snake Eyes, and George from Blacklisted. The guest vocals definitely add to the record and show the love and loyalty that west coast bands show to each other.
The album being released by Malfunction Records means that it sports beautiful new artwork from Linas Garsys. The coat of arms has been used by many bands as of late but Internal Affairs makes it their own with the trademark snakes flowing underneath the eagle. Garsys's artwork continues to evolve and grow and he is definitely becoming (or has become) this generation's Pushead.
Most hardcore bands can't pull off a full-length. They just don't have it in themselves to write something that long to hold a listener's attention. Internal Affairs definitely falls in the latter group proving themselves with this first full-length. This record will be in my top 10 of 2005, and it should be in your list too. Just remember to duck if you are near Williams when he's got a microphone in his hand.
