Top 5 Vinyl Only Releases of 2006
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Lifetime - Two Songs (Decaydance)
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Cloak/Dagger - Pinata (Grave Mistake)
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Final Fight / Life Long Tragedy - Split (Deathwish Inc.)
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Duckhunt / Hammertime - Split (Spiderghost Pressgang)
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Shook Ones - Slaughter of the Insole (Revelation)
This 7" may be just two songs, but even after a ten-year hiatus from recording, Lifetime still demonstrate why they are one of the best melodic hardcore bands to exist. Sure the recent revival in melodic hardcore has produced some great bands, but Lifetime sill hold their spot atop the pedestal. The band's new full-length should bring further evidence of that when it is released in early 2007.
The four songs that make up this 7" have me extremely excited for the band's new EP, which Jade Tree Records will hopefully release this year - they've made no mention of it recently. The band combines a mixture of punk, hardcore, and rock n roll into the perfect concoction. If you've been dreading the losses of American Nightmare and The Suicide File in recent years, here is your answer.
Serving as a prelude to their upcoming full-lengths for Deathwish, this split hints at the genius that is to come. Final Fight showcase two songs of heartfelt melodic hardcore and Life Long Tragedy further themselves into the realm of dissonant metallic hardcore. Expect huge things from both these bands in 2007.
Sometimes it is nice to revisit the past. This split 7" contains the 2004 demos from two of Northern California's short-lived hardcore bands, Duckhunt and Hammertime. While Duckhunt was really nothing more than a joke/side-project for members of various bands, they still managed to release one of the most fun/entertaining hardcore demos of the year. Hammertime, on the other hand, hinted at the fury and anger that was to come in vocalist Ross Farrar's future project, Ceremony. If for some reason you passed on this, redeem yourself now.
In addition to having a great title, this 7" from Shook Ones served up three great songs as an excellent teaser between the release of Sixteen and their Revelation Records debut, Facetious Folly Feat. The two originals - one cover was included - represent everything that is great about melodic hardcore/rock right now. There are a ton of bands trying to pull this sound off, but Shook Ones is head and shoulders above their peers. Pick this up! Hell, pick up their two full-lengths too!
Honorable Mention: Steel Trap - Cold.Dead.Broke. (This Blessing, This Curse)
(Michael)
