Review / 200 Words Or Less
Backtrack
Deal With the Devil

6131 (2009) Jon E.

Backtrack – Deal With the Devil cover artwork
Backtrack – Deal With the Devil — 6131, 2009

This EP is fairly similar to another recent 6131 release from Bad Seed. This isn't a bad thing. This is a renaissance of sorts for heavy NYHC. Where Bad Seed seems to fail for most is that they don't exploit the grooves they can get into. On the other hand, Backtrack has yet to find a groove they don't like as they stomp through this EP. Once again brutality of sorts ensues but the breaks give the listener a nice breather and show how strong this band is as musicians. The solos that are used sparingly are really great and give a lift to the songs they appear on. This is a great short release of pissed older styled NYHC.

8.4 / 10Jon E. • December 10, 2009

Backtrack – Deal With the Devil cover artwork
Backtrack – Deal With the Devil — 6131, 2009

Related news

Backtrack announced the end, final tours

Posted in Splits on May 19, 2019

Life & Death Tour this summer

Posted in Tours on May 8, 2014

Comeback Kid on the road

Posted in Tours on January 11, 2014

Recently-posted album reviews

Silver Proof

Even If It Hurts
Independent (2026)

Some pop punk records feel made for playlists and algorithms. They’re polished into oblivion, emotionally vague, and afraid to get messy. Silver Proof clearly didn’t get that memo. The Buffalo trio’s debut full length, Even If It Hurts, leans heavily into the emotional core of early 2010s emo pop and melody while still sounding energized rather than nostalgic. Across the … Read more

Lice (Aesop Rock & Homeboy Sandman)

Vol. 4: Miami Lice
Rhymesayers (2026)

This EP released kind of suddenly, back in March, right before a bunch of stuff hit the fan in my life outside of SPB. Which means the EP felt sudden, but this review has been stewing for nearly three months with a lot of repeat listening along the journey. At eight songs in length, it's short but sweet, and as … Read more

Various Artists

There Is No Sun - A Tribute To Jay Reatard
Sonic Church (2026)

The late, great Jay Reatard was a prolific master of rock n roll gems. Whether it be with his earlier budget-punk act of his namesake, Reatards, his synth-punk projects Lost Sounds and Angry Angles, or his solo material as Jay Reatard, Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr. was an incredible songwriter. Those aforementioned bands are just a smattering of units he’s been … Read more