H2O
Still the Same Fellas
Bridge Nine (2008)
There is no doubt in the sincerity of Toby Morse's declaration that H2O have nothing to prove. And while their canon of endlessly catchy and inspiring melodic hardcore songs speaks for itself, their return has generated intense speculation about whether we're getting an album of melodic New York hardcore or poppier leaning tunes a la Go. While I've never fully understood the antipathy for Go, there is no denying it is a polarizing album. So with the announcement of their first full-length in seven years, many see this new record as the album that either solidifies their legacy, or serves as a further departure from H2O's hardcore roots. After one spin of their new 7", it is clear that H2O live the ethos articulated so powerfully by Raymond "Raybeez" Barbieri years ago and has indeed not forgotten their roots. Morse's strength as a lyricist is readily apparent: Pick up any modern hardcore album littering the used bin at your local record store and pore through the lyrics. The odds are strong that you'll find an abundance of dogmatic clichés and didactic sermons. Conversely, Morse has always found a way to express himself in a manner that not only sparks a … Read more
The First Step
Connection
Rivalry (2008)
My favorite revival band of the revival youth-crew bands is back with another four-song platter so I can mosh around … Read more
Carry the Torch
Dead Weather
Detonate (2008)
Carry the Torch are yet another over-emotional hardcore band that play fast, somewhat tuneful, a little bit metal, and quite … Read more
Down and Outs
Friday Nights, Monday Mornings
Dead & Gone (2008)
Down and Outs have been shaking things up for going on four years now. Unfortunately, I really didn't start paying … Read more
