First off, the packaging on this limited release is top notch. It's a
screen-printed, foil stamped, cardboard "case" that is all folded like a bit of origami (not really, but it is cool nonetheless). It is a tour CD (you might be able to get from the Auxiliary web store) that served as a teaser for the Young Widows' full-length Settle Down City and a hold over for the next Coliseum record.
Coliseum lays down two quick songs. They are the public's recorded introduction to their new drummer, who is awesome to watch play live and is one of the most energetic drummers that I have ever seen. "Skyline Fucker" is begun by an uncharacteristic acoustic guitar before the band dives into their increasingly manic paced tempo. The chorus is catchy with the lines "Cash sucker / skyline fucker/ toe the line" sure to engage audience participation. However, the lyrical content is not a hollow grab at such; but rather, the song delves further into a sense of lost hope with these lyrics, "While we were dreaming/ they stole our lives/ they stole our hope for livingââ¬Â¦" The next track from Coliseum is the scathing attack on the religious climate here in the US. "White Religion" uses aggressive arrangements to put forth the sentiment of frustration and anger with the ideas prevalent in the subject. The band actually quiets the musical bombardment down for a bit to add a bit of a dynamic to the song before ending the track on a more powerful volume and tone.
The Young Widows portion of the EP is related to the band's full-length, but these two songs are not on the full-length. "Future Plans" is heavier, more disjointed, and even ups the noisy ante of Settle Down City. It has a Fugazi like feel to it, only much heavier, with the manner of the vocal arrangements. The bass has one hell of a dirty sound to it. It gives the track that extra special kick. The lyrical content of the song rings pretty damn close to home and should give anyone who works pause for thought. The last line: "Every second lost is costing," is great and is rammed home at the end of the track by a pounding rhythmic arrangement. "Baritone #3" is still a bit heavier than much of what is on the full-length. I like how this sounds like Young Widows but expands on their sound in a bit of different manner than on Settle Down City. It is nice to hear a change up in the vocal department with the bassist, Nick handling the majority of the vocal duties on this song. It gives the song an even more ragged sound.
My only major issue with this record is how short it is. I understand the limited supply, but the brevity makes one want more from both bands, which I guess is the point. The fact that the Young Widows album was recently released makes it okay from their standpoint; but, as far as Coliseum is concerned, the wait will continue. From the songs that they contribute on this EP, their next record should be well worth that wait. Until then, find a way to get this record because it is pretty damn good. For those obsessed with vinyl, Relapse put it out on several color variations. Unfortunately, the packaging is not what I was hoping for being that the CD version was awesome.
