The debut release from Chicago's Explode and Make Up is this excellent self-titled, one-sided 12" released by Underground Communiqué Records. Apparently the lineup features current and former members of 88 Fingers Louie, The Methadones, The Bomb, The Story So Far, Tomorrow's Gone, and a few other bands I don't think I've ever heard (though I have heard of 88 Fingers Louie). With that out of the way, this killer EP cranks out six tracks in 16-and-a-half minutes in a style that's one of the most literal fusions of melodic hardcore and rugged pop-punk that I've ever heard. Despite the fact that there are some minor little inconsistencies with the recording from song to song, the songwriting and overall feel of the material absolutely rule. Expect lots of fast-paced power chords and zippy picking patterns, pounding basslines, plenty of those cool melodic arpeggios that always get me psyched, and some slightly slower/darker rhythms to provide a little more variety. I fuckin' love the vocals, too. They're neither too clean nor too strained, and there's a great sense of character there that really adds to the sincere and heartfelt tone the band carries as a whole. It's funny, I wasn't sure I was gonna be into this at first, but it's very quickly growing on me. If they can tighten up their production values for a slightly more cohesive listen they'll be set. But regardless, I'd be all about a full-length from these dudes based on the strengths of these songs (which are super catchy at their best), so hopefully that'll happen at some point!
Explode and Make Up "Lion in a Cage"
This one's limited to 525 copies on either blue or black vinyl, so... make the grab if you like what you hear, as always!
Comments
Come on, let’s get this on iTunes and/or past vinyl only! Sorry, I got rid of my turn table long ago. Lame, I know…
9.8.2009 | By Chris
88 Fingers Louie were a solid band, kind of “poppy hardcore” or whatever. But this sounds like really good stuff, and they get a shitload of extra points for naming themselves after a Sugar song ... hah. I need a new turntable.
9.8.2009 | By zg
Chris, I know this is supposed to be on iTunes at some point, and the label may have means to sell it digitally if you ask them, as that’s how they served it to me. Hell, the vinyl might come with a download card, but I haven’t seen it mentioned anywhere so I’m not sure if it does or not…
9.8.2009 | By Andrew Aversionline
pretty sure the Bomb is a band featuring Jeff Pezzati from naked raygun. i haven’t heard them yet myself though.
9.9.2009 | By amit