Two years ago when reviewing Time for Change's debut EP, Profound, I made it known that while the band delivered some quality music, they hadn't yet found their own voice. Well, it seems as though time was all they needed. Wasting Away is a brand new 7" with four new tracks from the Southern California hardcore outfit.
Time for Change still harkens back to the mid-90's metallic hardcore scene on "Dried Tears," which opens this 7". But in addition to the standard use of chug-chug riffs inspired by the 90's sound, they also incorporate a fair amount of fast-paced parts. And rather than seem cut and pasted together, which is a problem with many of today's bands, they've structured them together to flow quite seamlessly. "Let This Go" opens with some 90's hip hop beats, very Dre-esque, before returning to the form set by the previous track. "The Steady Course" is a cut that mixes the slower metallic hardcore sound with the modern Boston sound that was popularized by American Nightmare. It's a good fusion of sounds, giving Time for Change a sound that is distinguished from their sometimes too apparent influences.
"III" opens with a brief intro then works its way into some nice big riffs. They're not Hatebreed-sized, but they're tough. Then the song really comes alive as it enters into a nice mid-section with some duel-layered guitars. The second guitar is very subtle, but the slight variation adds to the structure of the song. The fast part that immediately follows is my favorite part, even though it only lasts for about thirty seconds, its awesome and makes this my favorite track on the 7".
Time for Change closes this 7" EP with another cover, this time they tackle "All Out War" from Earth Crisis. If it was obvious by now, Time for Change love mid-90's hardcore. Can you blame them? Some of the best bands in hardcore, in my opinion, came from that era. Anyways, the band blazes through a good cover, with some variation on the vocals thanks to some guest spots.
Wasting Away is a step in the right direction for Time for Change. Their debut EP had me intrigued and this slab of wax has me excited for their future. Their debut full-length on New Age Records is an album to keep on eye out for, especially given the label's knack for stellar artists: Strife, Lifetime, Powerhouse, etc... You'll know doubt be hearing the name Time for Change a lot in the years to come.
