The Setup
Torchbearer
GSR Records (2009)
Many hardcore bands go one way or the other. Either they play ridiculously heavy to an almost numbing degree. On the other hand there are the overly melodic bands that almost sound too clean or almost like screaming pop punk bands. Yes, these are broad generalizations and I do love hardcore of both types. Most bands do very little to bridge that gap. There are bands that bring chunky breakdowns to melodic hardcore or the metalcore band with a few hooks up its sleeve but more rare is a band that combines both. The Setup are a band that kinda confused me as the band that one time Ferret weirdos (strange for Ferret not music) Scarlet began out of. This is not the same Setup. This band is from Belgium and have been carving out their name in Europe for a little while now. They do very little to separate their metal and melody. In this case it turns into a valid distinction. Each song comes with strong melodic hooks and sounds quite heavy. The vocals have a similarity to those of Stephan from Kickback. They are hard and slightly forced but still high and screechy. This isn't entirely a … Read more
The Warlocks
The Mirror Explodes
Tee Pee Records (2009)
Sometimes one can be anticipate something too much. Expect too much from something so as to nullify anything enjoyable from … Read more
Beaten Awake
Thunderstroke
Fat Possum Records (2009)
Some bands exist both inside a scene and outside the sound of the given scene. Beaten Alive are one of … Read more
Big D and the Kids Table
Fluent In Stroll
Side One Dummy (2009)
I have to admit that normally I am not a big horns fan. It really has to take the song … Read more
