Review / 200 Words Or Less
The Recluse
Summer Showers

Heart In Hand (2009) Michael

The Recluse – Summer Showers cover artwork
The Recluse – Summer Showers — Heart In Hand, 2009

Summer Showers is my first exposure to Alabama group The Recluse. I swore I heard their name before, in fact I think I saw them once... maybe not. I can't quite place where/why/how I know them.

"Pre-Death Realizations" is the leading cut and it is an odd song as it walks the line between equal parts melodic hardcore and metallic hardcore. Strangely enough, it works. "Dead," "Post-Death Realizations," and the title-track continue this fusion of fast, melodic hardcore with a harder edge thanks to the occasional chugging riffs and the throaty vocal delivery. Occasionally I heard a bit of two that reminds me of American Nightmare, though not quite as aggressive.

The Recluse definitely has a sound I enjoy; yet there is still something that leaves me not quite sold on them. Keep tabs on them; they have potential with their next release.

6.5 / 10Michael • July 29, 2009

The Recluse – Summer Showers cover artwork
The Recluse – Summer Showers — Heart In Hand, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

Rufio

From The Outside
Double Felix Records, Double Helix Records (2026)

“Rufio?! Like from back in the day Rufio?” Those were the words out of my mouth while claiming my next review. I wore out Perhaps, I Suppose as a teenager and my curiosity piqued. It has been 25 years since that album was released and 16 years since we have heard from Rufio at all. Regardless of these facts, we … Read more

Oddfellows

Oddfellows
Dirtnap, Wild Honey Records (2026)

The self-titled album from Oddfellows was a long time coming. As in, the band formed in 1994. Now in 2026, they return with founding members Chris Pulliam, Mark Ryan, and Mike Throneberry, plus new addition Peter Salisbury to release their debut album just 32 years later. This lineup means you're going to get a Marked Men reference right away, but … Read more

Cel Ray

Cel Rayzer
Exploding In Sound Records (2026)

I don’t remember how, but I stumbled across Chicago’s Cel Ray in 2023 on the heels of their debut EP, Cellular Raymond. I was immediately hooked. After another EP and a single, the band finally brings us their debut long player, Cel Rayzer. To no surprise, it’s excellent. Cel Ray plays a brand of post-punk that’s lo-fi and streamlined. Singer … Read more