Review / 200 Words Or Less
O Pioneers!!! / The Anchor
Split

Triumph of Life (2008) Michael

O Pioneers!!! / The Anchor – Split cover artwork
O Pioneers!!! / The Anchor – Split — Triumph of Life, 2008

The great state of Texas offers up two songs a piece from O Pioneers!!! and The Anchor. In the works for over a year, this split 7" is finally available to all who boast a beard!

O Pioneers!!! offers up two cuts of dirty punk that will appeal to anyone who loves Asian Man and No Idea Records. I've had countless people suggest this band to me in the past, but I just can't get into their recordings. I will admit these songs are better than what I've heard before; a quicker pace suits them well.

The Anchor is less punk and delves into a slight melodic hardcore style with their two songs. I get a definite Long Island sound as I listen to their tunes - particularly in the vocals, which bring to mind Silent Majority's Tommy Corrigan.

Of the two, I enjoyed The Anchor more so; I am definitely looking forward to more from them. On the other hand, the jury is still out on O Pioneers!!! for me.

6.0 / 10Michael • October 14, 2008

O Pioneers!!! / The Anchor – Split cover artwork
O Pioneers!!! / The Anchor – Split — Triumph of Life, 2008

Recently-posted album reviews

Jungle Rot

Cruel Face Of War
Unique Leader (2026)

Twelve albums and more than three decades into their career, Jungle Rot remains one of death metal's most reliable institutions. While countless bands have spent years chasing technical excess, progressive experimentation, or whatever trend happens to be dominating the underground now, the Kenosha veterans have remained committed to a simpler mission. Writing memorable riffs, locking into crushing grooves, and leaving … Read more

Overcalc

Fruits of the Decision Tree
Sleeping Giant Glossolalia (2024)

Some instrumental records create atmosphere while others create movement. Fruits of the Decision Tree feels like it creates an entire environment. It’s unstable, mechanical, strangely beautiful, and constantly in motion. The solo project of Nick Skrobisz (Multicult, The Wayward), Overcalc exists somewhere between electronic experimentation, prog-level guitar precision, ambient drift, and full on sci-fi hallucination. Trying to pin it cleanly … Read more

Fangus

Emerald Dream
From The Urn Records (2026)

The needle drops, and there’s no introductory sweaty handshake. Fangus doesn’t care for niceties; they’re ready to get down to brass-knuckle business. With their debut full-length, Emerald Dream, the Montreal quintet has exhumed a sound that feels less like a tribute to the early '70s and more like a master tape found rotting in a damp basement behind a stack … Read more