Review / 200 Words Or Less
Oak & Bone
Oak & Bone

Hex (2009) Michael

Oak & Bone – Oak & Bone cover artwork
Oak & Bone – Oak & Bone — Hex, 2009

Oak and Bone hail from upstate New York, but when you listen to their debut 7" you would definitely not assume that by any guess. While their history is rooted in hardcore punk, the three-piece from Syracuse take a different approach to the style.

The 7" opens with "On Your Own or Not at All," which is a sludgy punk/grunge tune reminiscent of The Melvins. It's heavy and got a nice groove to it. "Build Walls" is faster and has some awesome chugging guitars; it highlights the band's hardcore background much more than the previous number. "Atavistic" is okay, but I definitely enjoy it least of all the songs. "Momentum" is another cut that boasts a sweet groove; I hear a bit of the very first Queens of the Stone Age record in there. It's definitely my favorite of the four songs found here.

I like the unique approach Oak & Bone take. It's a great combination of punk, metal, rock and roll, and hardcore. And the best part is that it's not really any of those genres. It's a mish-mash

an enjoyable mish-mash.

7.5 / 10Michael • July 29, 2009

Oak & Bone – Oak & Bone cover artwork
Oak & Bone – Oak & Bone — Hex, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

Summer Blue

Self Titled EP
New Morality Zine (2025)

You may not be familiar with the band Summer Blue, but that’s your issue. If you do know the San Jose, CA based band, then you know how enjoyable they are to listen to. For some background for the newcomers, the band started in 2022 as a side project between friends already orbiting the Bay Area DIY and indie scenes. … Read more

Relay For Death

Mutual Consuming
Helen Scarsdale Agency (2025)

At a time when experimental artists are constantly churning out new music, it is curious to find some that take their time. Rachel and Roxann Spikula might not be the most prolific creatives, but when they make an appearance, it is worth paying attention. The twin sisters have performed in Towering Heroic Dudes and Boyzone, but it is their own … Read more

Scorching Tomb

Ossuary
Time To Kill (2025)

Whenever I see the cover art of an album for a metal band and there’s impaled skulls, blood, and a logo I can’t read, I know I’m getting ready to get obliterated. If I’m at the record store, I instantly flip it to the spine of the album to see the band’s name so I can check them out on … Read more