Review / 200 Words Or Less
The Catalyst / Brainworms
Split

Rorschach (2007) Michael

The Catalyst / Brainworms – Split cover artwork
The Catalyst / Brainworms – Split — Rorschach, 2007

This split 7" features two up-and-comers from the hardcore punk scene of Richmond, VA: The Catalyst and Brainworms.

Brianworms is up first with two cuts. "Winnie Cooper" takes to the less caustic sound we heard on the band's previous release. The song is a lot more indie rock than hardcore or punk; at times it reminds me of The (International) Noise Conspiracy. "Art Thou Bored" follows and walks the line between abrasive hardcore and indie rock, the heavier side of the genre, if that makes sense.

The flip side features The Catalyst. They offer up three songs of fast-paced hardcore punk with a gritty feel. "Born with a Buzz" mixes in some of The Melvins into their sound, which really gives the band a unique sound. "Dunna Nannuna" is a straight forward venomous outburst of punishing metallic hardcore. They close their side out with an instrumental piece; a mixture of grunge-esque guitars and mid-tempo punk.

Overall, this is a pretty solid split from two bands that I continue to keep tabs on as they're doing something just a little different from the rest of their peers. If you want some hardcore punk that doesn't fit a mold, check both these bands out.

7.0 / 10Michael • December 19, 2007

The Catalyst / Brainworms – Split cover artwork
The Catalyst / Brainworms – Split — Rorschach, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Errth

Errth
Uncle Style Records (2025)

What makes a gruff vocal melodic punk band stand out? That's the question I'm asking myself as I listen to Errth's debut on repeat. I've been playing this record for probably a month straight and I dig it. It checks the heart-on-sleeve style I enjoy but I'm struggling to figure out why, exactly. I think on this, it's the tones … Read more

1186

Histeria
Drunken Sailor (2025)

If you read enough press releases, you start questioning if you even know what genre names mean. Post-punk has been one of the most abused terms of the past 2-3 years and it seems to mean wildly different things to different people. To me, it’s always meant an ear for angular guitars and noise atop more traditional song concepts. 1186 … Read more

Li Jianhong

Shuttle Raven of the Dream
Utech (2025)

Li Jianhong's philosophy surpasses the direct relationship of a musician with their instrument of choice. Instead, Li has advocated for Environment Improvisation, where the urge to create and improvise is established by the artist's surroundings. Looking at Li's website you can find numerous instances that inspired him to settle down and start improvising, drawing energy from the surroundings. The music … Read more