Labels: Hope
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Took me a moment to work out that this wasn’t a split LP, but a record on which HTML and a fella named
Rick Gribenas collaborated on some tracks, but not on others. Whoops. Anyway. HTML are proof that there
is still fine emo / hc records out there being made by bands that nobody ever talks about. Idly watch
people on the internet posting their top 10 cool bands of August 8th, and chances are nobody will
mention HTML, even the kid who thinks he has every emo record ever. Maybe it’s because there is a fair
bit more to this band than a mere sound. A cursory glance through the booklet that comes with the
record will assure you of that. There are song explanations, which is something I always am into and
wish more bands would do.
The record opens with an awesome elongated intro that grooves away for quite some time repetetively
before the pained, screamed vocals emerge. The track continues to roll along as it did before, with the
vocals over the top. Good stuff, kind of similar to Max Colby. Other tracks vary in style too, for
example “The Invitation” is short, fast and thrashy. And there are some electronic moments that appear
at times, but they never intrude or become too bothersome. These are Rick Gribenas
contributions. “Go Blue” is probably my favourite track, which pulsates with a thundering pace and
yelled vocals – the song explanation about some people that sued a university due to a particular
admissions policy is very interesting too. There are some great, sobby parts on this that recall the
Vida Blue as does the guitar sound. Super good. It flows really well into “Confessions of An Amateur
Vexhilologist” (!) with spoken vocals and a warm sound of guitars gently washing back and forth. Slint!
Vexhilogists collect flags apparently. The song breaks out after a while with more of those excellent
vocals and flailing guitars. Ace.
Overall, a fine LP that is well worth checking out. Note: This record is not for people who struggle
with bands doing something different with hardcore / emo.