Cool Halifax trio (featuring Dave Brown of Career Suicide) belting out heavily distorted 80's post-hardcore sounds. Nice guitar work and raw emotional vocals keep this record interesting enough for repeated plays on the turntable. For fans of early Husker Du. (RA)
Dark themes and minor chords are the order of the day here as Feral Trash deliver this stunning debut. Consisting of members of Fear of Lipstick and the Thalidomy Kids, this new Moncton trio immediately remind the listener of stellar Swedish acts like Masshysteri and The Vicious but with some remnant pop-punk influences which gives this record a slightly broader appeal. Vocals are strong, guitar is solid and the cover photo is hilarious. Pick this up. (RA)
Sloan - Hardcore 7" (Murder)
It's certainly no secret that Sloan, Canada's most beloved pop band were influenced by the 1980's hardcore punk scene. They often drop names in interviews but none of their previously recorded output (except for some rare cover versions) have ever alluded to this fact. This two song platter aims to rectify this problem and succeeds in its mission. The A-side Jenny is a pumped up Chris Murphy tune that channels the Bad Brains musically but has the trademark Sloan harmonies. The flip side It's In You, It's In Me is a catchy Patrick Pentland number that recalls the glorious sound of latter day Minor Threat. Fun stuff. (RA)
Hard Charger - Chrome Lord 7" EP (Waste of Time/Primeval Sound)
Fredericton's Hard Charger have been laying waste to countless stages across North America and Europe for a few years now and it's good to finally see another record by these chaps. These six songs are relentless blasting thrash/hardcore with a good dose of metal influence especially in the lyrical department. Raw vocals, great solos and thundering drums make this a great release. Along with Napalm Raid (Halifax), these guys prove that Eastern Canada has a top notch hardcore scene as good as anywhere else. (RA)
