SPITFIRE
"The
Dead Next Door" (Solid State Records)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Pressurized madness is the best characterization of this noisy hardcore band. Short tracks are sliced-and-diced amid the longer tracks for a schizophrenic collage of sound.
I find it quite odd that I would "hear" the old Seattle grunge sound (shades of an out-of-control Mudhoney come to mind) and indie-rock/alt-rock flavors amidst the hardcore riffing; I simply can't shake these impressions.
There are many highlights worth pointing out. The cataclysmic shifts in tempo make "The 2.48 Lie" somewhat interesting. "New Song Number Three" breaks the hardcore mold with some challenging and forceful riffs. The arpeggios and NYC-styled hardcore leanings of "Forsaken Promises" is a forceful reminder of the shooting star that was once Handsome - this tune demands the listener to take notice.
Some tracks just don't do it for me at all. The chaotic "Render Quence Create" seems pointless and unfocused. The double-time bass and drums on "The Burgandy Room" isn't original in the least while at the same time demonstrating exactly how hardcore is morphing into metal - not a pretty picture.
The guitars aren't your typical hardcore guitars, but they still lack definition and composure. I'll chalk my lack of appreciation of "The Dead Next Door" to my (slowly disappearing) ignorance as far as hardcore is concerned. I suppose over time I'll find the beauty in this CD, but for now it simply doesn't grab me at all.
For more information visit the bands section on Solid State Record's website at http://www.getwarped.com/spitfire and learn more about this heavy band.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the
cover makes you wanna hurl.
Back to roughedge.com home page
Copyright © 2000 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 01 Dec 2019 12:47:24 -0500.
