While this album has been out for a little while now, it's somewhat coincidental that I am reviewing it as television is graced with The Contender. Just like the 16 boxing contestants that are competing for a chance at a lump sum to change their life, Repercussion is completing with the ever-increasing number of tough-guy hardcore bands fighting for our (the fans) attention. So before I declare the verdict, let's take a look at this bout between myself and And the Winner is... .
The intro track kicks things off with some fast-paced old school oriented hardcore great for two-stepping before it switches things up with a heavy breakdown; a traditional opening for a band of this genre. The rest of the album seems to follow this formula, but with the addition of Paul Brown's lyrical assault. For example in "Hopeless" he belittles the listener: "I will put an end to your ways / now confronted, you have nothing to say / hopeless / beaten bloody / now you're helpless." This theme runs from song to song; the moral of the story here is don't cross this fellow or you'll regret it.
But that's not the only topic of discussion for Repercussion, on "Wishing for Yesterday" Brown tackles the issue of dealing with feelings of abandonment. The heartfelt (yes you just read that) words are partnered with more musical vengeance that would make their peers in Hatebreed and Dead Before Dishonor proud. More hate-filled angst is released on "Sealed with a Fist," probably the strongest song, musically speaking, on the album.
And the Winner is... also includes a couple of bonus tracks hidden after a significant portion of silence. Among them is a cover of Floorpunch's "Let it Ride." As far as a comparison to the original, Repercussion has pretty much recorded it as it was, instead of branding it with their zest of hardcore. The rest of the bonus material isn't worth mentioning unless you like really bad white rappers.
One of the biggest problems I have with this album is the recording quality. It sounds worse than half of the demos that I've heard. Not only was the overall sound low, the mix isn't even close to being level. I can't understand how a band would be proud of something that sounds like this and allowing it to be released. And being an underground band isn't an excuse because I've heard unsigned bands with recordings that blow national releases out of the water.
Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you look at it, the writing of this review didn't result in a knock-out blow. The album was good for what it is and had some moments in which Repercussion really shined. But on the other hand, the production quality was a huge turn off and the band really didn't bring anything new to the genre, not that I was expecting it. So regrettably for Repercussion they are not the winner, though it was a well fought contest.
