V/A--Southern Hardcore: The Way It Is
D-FENS 2004
Hardcore sure seems to have changed a lot, over time. Often, if you ask a younger person who says they're into hardcore what bands they like, what hits your ears turns out sounding something more akin to emo than what you'd hoped for. Thankfully, there are still bands out there that have good hardcore roots and this compilation, Southern Hardcore: The Way It Is, proves it. When these folks say "hardcore," that's exactly what they mean.
There are three different bands featured on Southern Hardcore: The Way It Is, and each has their own distinct voice. Skeptic turns out to be the most stripped down of the three, their songs sounding particularly "live." Random Conflict not only pummels at the slowest tempo of the bunch but also seems to possess the greatest sense of pure rock n' roll. Bloody Sods are simply a bulldozing powerhouse--no mercy at all from these guys. It's a nicely balanced coming together of subtleties and makes for a very successful collection.
Southern Hardcore: The Way It Is provides each of the bands five shots at putting across what they're made of. Skeptic fares best on the metallic tinged workouts during both "Give Us Your Tired" and "Play On Words." Random Conflict's "Burn It Down" boasts an epic rocked out intro, giving way to full-on blitzkrieg, while slap bass drives "Anywhere But Here" to someplace special. The Bloody Sods destroy on the blastbeat of "Shot Out," the rolling thundered choruses of "Moment Of Clarity," as well as on the double bassed annihilation of "Clone," their catchiest song.
In terms of traditional hardcore, Southern Hardcore: The Way It Is really gets the job done. The bands compliment eachother well, the songs are all pretty punishing--you couldn't ask for much more. If you want the real deal, look no further. Recommended.
Score this CD directly from D-FENS
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