Labels: Wakusei
Review by: Andy Malcolm
I didn’t realise how long This Machine Kills had been going, but the other day I found them thanked in the insert of a Stratego 7″ from like 1998 or something? I am pretty sure they didn’t put any music out until a year ago or so though, maybe a bit before that, whenever the Envy split came out. Knowing my memory that was probably years ago now Anyway, if you have heard them before they still sound like they have always sounded. I have their LP somewhere but I forgot to listen to it. I am not sure if this stuff inspires me to dig it out, I have always enjoyed TMK and their 7″ of them on their own is amazing but I am not sure what I’d make of them over a full LP. Especially if it has bits like the part on this were the guy sings like he is in At the Drive In. Hmm. Musically they are angry hardcore with comparisons that can be made to all manner of Ebullition type bands. Their other track is a remix. Um, ok. Great lyrics, as usual.
JR Ewing is a good band too, their LP is right good, and the stuff on here is decent. They play fast and frantic hardcore with a melody and sung vocals, it’s quite a far cry from the crazy screamo stuff they used to do. They have introduced a more rocky element into their sound, maybe they didn’t want to sound like Kaospilot! “Panic” has handclaps and stuff, always a good thing. Catchy and fun. “Holiday Narcotic” is more off kilter and more like how I expected them to sound. It also has an awesome emo part with talky vocals and piano!
Decent split for those interested in these bands – I think it is pretty awesome that a UK label was involved in putting this out though. Props to Simon!