Last year Folsom released their debut full-length through Westcoast Worldwide Records, a label that I would describe as a "word of mouth label." The larger hardcore labels are able to promote their releases in prominent music magazines and have their records distributed by larger entertainment chains such as Best Buy, FYE, etc. Westcoast Worldwide, instead, must rely on the closely knit hardcore scene to spread the word of its happenings, and therefore its releases are more likely to be sold at local shows out of a cardboard box.
But for Folsom, 2005 marks a new year and a new label. For their brand new EP, If You're a Viper, these Las Vegas boys have teamed up with Spook City Records. Even though it's a new year, Folsom are still doing what they were doing in the past and what they will be doing for years to come. The EP kicks off with the title track, which is full of mosh-metal breakdowns while gang vocals chant out "If you're a viper!" I really have no idea what the relevance of being a viper is, but it sounds pretty rad and works as a great intro for the disc.
The boys in Folsom keep plugging away with "Another Day in Sin City." Of course this song isn't especially technical in the musicianship department, but then again when has hardcore been about displaying excessive talent? The same can be said of the lyrical content. I wasn't expecting anything super original. I know it's been said and done before, but I can only take so much of the shit-talk lyrical approach.
Folsom do mix things up a little up on "Guitars and Memories" and "Mandatory Merle" suggesting a little bit of the band's punk influence. And while it's nice to hear them try different things, I can't help but say these tracks feel out of place. Stick to the Merauder-esque beatdowns and I'll keep coming back for more.
In the end this EP just didn't match up against the band's full-length that they released last year. In addition to the band's slight experimentation with a different sound, I must say that the six short songs left a lot to be desired, especially when I consider two of the tracks to be throwaways. Fortunately, we're slated to get more Folsom material on a split with Texas' mighty Will to Live.
