Hardcore is serious business
well most of the time. Mixed amongst those pushing forth ideas concerning local and world issues are those out to have fun, usually in the form of some kind of joke. Jokes/gimmicks like these tend to last only a short time and the initial response is rather intense but quickly fades away. A few examples from over the years include Good Clean Fun, Jud Jud, and Gayrilla Biscuits. The International Superheroes of Hardcore (ISHC) is the latest gimmick to be added to that list.
Comprised of the members of New Found Glory, vocalist Jordan Pundik switches positions with guitarist Chad Gilbert, ISHC chug through twelve tracks of New York influenced hardcore. While the music is true to their roots, the lyrics on the other end tell another tale. And this is where the gimmick shows.
Captain Straightedge (Gilbert) comments on a slew of topics from bad music, superhero sellouts, Madball, cursing, eBay revenge, and more. "Screamo Screamo Gotta Go" and "Fashion Show" attack the individuals ruining hardcore with their lack of identity and individuality
yes those "little wieners." A lot of bands tackle this topic, but not in a manner this funny. "Seat Belt" is a humorous friendly reminder to buckle up that left me chuckling.
ISHC give props to their influences throughout, "Madball's Got Our Back" is the most obvious. Those that follow the New Found Glory storyline know the history behind this with Hazen St. "Back to the Future" is one of the true highlights combining the ideas of Back to the Future and attending killer hardcore shows in the 1980's - namedroppin' Minor Threat, Cro-Mags, Youth of Today, and more. "Just Like Dr. Jones" follows a similar line but with an Indiana Jones Trilogy theme.
The album is one witty cut after another. Quite a few times I caught myself laughing uncontrollably and rewinding just to go back and re-listen. Other times, I did cringe, but that's to be expected with a gimmick/novelty act. And this will be the downfall of this release; it's going to wear out its welcome.
Takin' it Ova! is an entertaining listen. The music is fairly decent, while the lyrics tread the fine line between tolerable and intolerable. A final note, there is a Japanese version available with additional tracks, which is a suggested pickup if you can track it down.
