Supreme Commander is a prototypical, overtly masculine, DC hardcore quartet. Points for extremely proficient galloping drums, and a Slayer-like metal break on “…Jonestown.” The singer mimics Dave Smalley of Dag Nasty, a 1980s DC hardcore group, past the point of remaining original. I love Dag Nasty’s 1986 album Can I Say as well, so all is soon forgiven. This well produced punk record has an over abundance of half time parts and not enough surprises. Chugging distorted Les Paul guitar with neat bass lines underneath do little to set this group apart. These instruments feel like a tarnished hood ornament on a rust covered car. Proud exhibition of experience without consideration for overall maintenance of their vehicle. Supreme Commander seems fun to see live, so I’ll reserve judgment until the day I can make that happen. Perhaps some of the recent hardcore revival is lost on guys like me. I kind of understand its importance in the lineage of punk rock, but I tend to look for the near future and sci-fi sections at the bookstore, and not ancient history.
