Labels: Black Box
Review by: Kunal Nandi
This is what I like to fucking see! Two bands collaborating on a release with a local flavour (Aberdeen this time round) that still has relevance for music fans the world over, with especially thought-provoking and intelligent lyrics showing that not only do they give a shit about the bands they play in, but also the situations they find themselves in every day.
Filthpact cram five tracks of furious crusty hardcore onto their side of this heavyweight 7″, full of bouncy basslines, shredded vocals and screechy guitar. They’re unafraid to slip in the odd metal lick with their full-on d-beat assault, as well as the odd near grind-esque moments. Afterbirth weigh in with what is basically more of the same, although their approach is slightly more deranged, spiralling nicely off into wayward passages, along with a vocal delivery that suggests that the singer is unhinged at the best/worst of times. Awesome.
It’s nothing original, but both bands are excellent if you’re looking for some musicians with their hearts and minds in the right place. If you’re worried about the state of the UK political hardcore scene (which you shouldn’t be anyway), just look north of the border.