I feel like right now is an interesting juncture in "hardcore." With its popularity and accessibility, there are a lot of throwback bands that might seem progressive to some. But, really, some things are better left in the hands of either your predecessors or more capable hands.
The Handshake Murders, which is an absolutely insipid, meaningless name, are unfortunately a case of this misguided enthusiasm, recalling a lesser form of Coalesce - who I seem to be referencing more and more, lately - without the grit. Mind you, this isn't Norma Jean's first CD, there's a lot of the "weird technical riffing" of A Life Once Lost. And that's about it. The production saps the life out of this disc, if there was breath to be found. This isn't the most atrocious thing I've ever heard - Blessed by a Broken Heart or Bolt Action takes that highly desired position - but it's certainly not something I'm into. Kids whose first exposure to metalcore not entirely focused around gratuitous breakdown or Nike Dunks was Hunter will be pleased with this because it treads familiar ground. Unfortunately, it's ground that's not worth revisiting.
So, I ask, what is up with Goodfellow Records? You have Cursed, Iamthethorn, The Secret, and Intronaut; you were in CHOKEHOLD and this band gets signed? I just feel like this is a misguided attempt at doing something cool that didn't pan out. Hardcore should have a sense of urgency, not a sense of niche marketing.
