Long Island natives This is Hell have been going full-force since their formation in 2004. There has been an endless stream of releases - a demo, a couple of EP's, a split, and two full-lengths - through those years. The Warbirds 7" features three brand new songs and two cover songs, something the band seems to rather enjoy (previous covers of The Beastie Boys, 108, The Movielife, Kid Dynamite, and CIV have been recorded).
Warbirds opens with a bang. "The Search" picks up where the band left off with Misfortunes. It's fast-paced hardcore with a rock flavoring showcased perfectly on this two and a half minute blast. And while you're enjoying what you've come to expect from This is Hell, the band throws a bitching solo in midway through the song. It works quite well and is a welcome addition to their arsenal.
The band soldiers on with the title-track, which may only last just over a minute, but it's a doozy. This song actually reminded me a lot of their very first 7" EP. It's a frenzy from start to finish. "Worship Syndrome" is most akin to their last long-player. It opens with a blistering first half, but then scales back the pace and allows vocalist Travis Reilly to take command. In fact, the entire second half of the song is essentially one big sing-along moment.
The flip side of Warbirds features two covers which couldn't draw from any more polar opposites. Firstly, This is Hell tackle the NYHC classic "Crazy But Not Insane" by Warzone. The band plays it fairly safe and sticks to the original, though there is a little zest of This is Hell in there too - I think the mix of the song helps to establish this. Secondly is a cover of INXS' "Never Tear Us Apart." The band took a bit more artistic liberties with this song, their interpretation actually sounds a lot like a Modern Life is War song for some odd reason. It's an interesting cover choice. I don't know if I love it, but I don't hate it by any means. I'm just caught off guard by it.
This is Hell never seems to let up, churning out yet another release with Warbrids, and of course hitting the road to support it. The new songs are solid; I especially dug "Warbirds." I don't think I enjoyed the other two new songs as much as Misfortunes though; that album was pretty damn great. This EP and the previous split with Nightmare of You are nice, but I'm definitely itching for a new full-length now.
