Review / 200 Words Or Less
Ability
Expired

Fineprint (2008) — Michael

Ability – Expired cover artwork
Ability – Expired — Fineprint, 2008

Ability is a five-piece hardcore band from the Northern outskirts of Los Angeles. Expired is their debut effort and the 7" features five cuts of solid mid-tempo hardcore. Musically the band mixes together the guitar tones of Bad Brains with the thick rhythm sounds of Burn. "Work of Ages" is a good example of what the band has to offering. The last track, "Swallowed," has kind of a Betrayed meets Inside Out sound to it, but that's probably because Todd Jones wrote the song (he is credited with writing it, which seems rather odd that this is the second band this year I've encountered with this footnote). Overall, this is a good debut that is quite reminiscent of the early Revelation catalog.

7.0 / 10 — Michael • July 6, 2008

Ability – Expired cover artwork
Ability – Expired — Fineprint, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

David Eugene Edwards

Mercurial Silence
Sargent House (2026)

David Eugene Edwards's 2023 full-length Hyacinth was a significant turn in his musical journey. Americana still defined much of the record's spirit, from the guitar lines and the song structures, but the backbone was forged in electronica. While this shift was sonically significant, it did not alter Edwards's existential and ritualistic interests. In fact it amplified these concepts, imbuing his … Read more

Nagusame

I Want To Leave
White Russian Records (2026)

Nagusame are not reinventing melodic metalcore on I Want To Leave. They wear their influences openly, and anyone familiar with Shai Hulud, Misery Signals, or early-2000s metalcore will hear them almost immediately. What keeps the EP from feeling like simple nostalgia is what Nagusame does with those influences, especially the guitars.The guitars are what stay with me when I Want … Read more

AIH

Self-Titled EP
Independent (2026)

EP HIGHLIGHTS – “McEnroe” & “Ten Speed”Hatching out of COVID boredom between friends down on NYC’s Lower East Side, drummer Doug Stern and vocalist-guitarist Brian Runk casually kickstarted AIH by jamming through some classic rock and early punk covers. It's a preference that’s made abundantly clear via their high-energy live shows and staple sound of sturdy guitar, memorable chant-driven hooks … Read more