I don't really consider myself to be a professional journalist by any means. But in my position as an "in my spare time journalist" I frequently come across fairly unknown yet promising bands that are truly deserving of high praise. The most recent of those being Dayton, Ohio's The Pledge.
Distress is the band's debut 7", or at least it should be, but unfortunately the label that was originally backing its release flaked out. So what I am reviewing is a finished but technically unreleased album. The effort kicks off with "Amendment;" on this track The Pledge delivers fast-paced hardcore inspired by the likes of the Gorilla Biscuits. Things continue on with "Freedom Rings," which starts off with a nice and mellow instrumental intro before vocalist Erik screams, "I will strive to be free!" What follows is a "take control of my life" anthem set to a soundtrack of melodic hardcore with some extra oomph. The Pledge do mix things up tad on this release; "Indivisible" ventures in a slightly melodic direction with some of the sweet guitar melodies that you first heard from the likes of Lifetime. Oh yeah, they throw in some great moments for the ol' two-steppin' and awesome sing-along chants as well. This is definitely the prime cut of the release.
Lyrically and musically the other tracks fall along these same lines. I can definitely see fans of the aforementioned Gorilla Biscuits as well as In My Eyes enjoying what The Pledge has to offer. I would also recommend them to fans of new blood like Sinking Ships, Comeback Kid, and Go it Alone.
As a special bonus, the band recorded a cover of CIV's "Do Something" from the Set Your Goals release. The song definitely fits The Pledge's style quite nicely, and the cover is pretty much a note-for-note take on the original. So it may lack originality, but it's pretty damn cool nevertheless.
Normally I would wrap up a review with some sort of conclusionary statement, summing up their sound and urging you to go out and buy the record. Well you can't, so I'm urging all the people who run labels out there, to sign this band and release this album. Don't run a label? Then, hit up their Myspace via the link below and spread the word to all your friends. This is truly a band deserving of attention.
