Man, I suck. I don't really listen to vinyl very often at all anymore, so I haven't really kept up with Canadian hardcore/punk masters Under Pressure since a lot of their output in the last few years has been on 7"s and whatnot. But thankfully last year's "Come Clean" full-length recently showed up in the mail on CD from Germany's Yellow Dog Records to remind me of just how awesome this band really is. This material sees the group continuing to branch out and fine-tune their atypical yet classically-influenced brand of hardcore/punk for a killer set of 10 tracks in about 35 minutes. There's somewhat more of a rock 'n' roll vibe happening to some of the chords and riffs these days, with a slightly slower overall drive that helps to highlight the power of some of the dissonance that creeps into place from time to time. But beyond that, there are also some longer compositions that experiment with a little more melody and texture, diversifying without lacking a connection to where you know the band is coming from at its core. Very cool. Plus the recording—aptly warm, a little dry, somewhat restrained, but 100% natural—gives the perfect presence to the oomph of the percussion and the killer thump of the basslines. And of course I still love those amazingly unique vocals. Great lyrics, too:
Self-destruction has never been so slow and clean. I get this feeling like waking from a dream. Every action just a fraction of some grander scheme, of some movement I can't see. But I'll make it through this hell, all faculties employed. Who gives a piece of themselves to watch it be destroyed? And sure as the morning you'll be asking how I've been. If not numb and automatic then I'm just feeling mean. Not keeping busy, not keeping clean. But you'd be best not to see me divide myself, all faculties employed. Reach out a hand for help. Scream for change into a void. "You expect nothing, you're never disappointed. I was a fool to have expected anything from you."
These dudes just kill it every single time. I simply can't say enough good things about this band and how much I respect the manner in which they handle their artistry.
Under Pressure "The Crawl"
Under Pressure "Come Clean"
Absolutely recommended, so make the grab if you like what you hear:
Under Pressure
Yellow Dog Records
Crimes Against Humanity Records
Comments
Escape Artist is set to release “Come Clean” in North America this spring.
1.29.2007 | By adamxp
I’m hearing an influence from the Tragedy/From Ashes Rise sort of hardcore. But more stripped down and punk rock.
1.29.2007 | By MaxThrash
This is very good. I’m reminded of Black Flag in places, which is not a name I throw around lightly.
1.29.2007 | By josé carlos santos
...also has the drummer from Electro Quarterstaff.
1.29.2007 | By Anonymous
Dude the one before this was totally released on cd.
I’m diggin this more then the first time I heard it, wish it had the speed of “still no future” though. I pretty much agree with maxthrash, though they’re doing much more for me then any fromashesrise/tragedy clone.
1.29.2007 | By Zach
very good band
2.2.2007 | By brooklyn
“You expect nothing, you’re never disappointed. I was a fool to have expected anything from you.â€
those are fucking lyrics from a curlupanddie song hahahaha what dumbasses , they knew what they were doing too!!
2.27.2007 | By Komo from FL who is pissed now