Sick Of It All "Based On A True Story"

With all of the reuions happening with late-great hardcore bands, it becomes easy to appreciate a band such as Sick Of It All. For over 20 years this band has been touring and releasing one great record after another with no breaks (or breakups) in between. "Based On A True Story", the bands latest offering, picks up where 2006's "Death To Tyrants" left off, finding the band going in a heavier sounding direction while still keeping it's old school punk sing-alongs intact.

Now being backed by none other than Century Media Records, the production on this record is amped up past 11, bringing the band's in your face sound to new highs and crushing lows. The trademark Craig Setari bass lines are dirtier and meaner than ever, Lou Koller's vocals brash and defiant, and Armand Majidi's snare drum is packed with so much attack, you'd swear he's going to smash a fucking hole right through it.

"Based On A True Story" sounds mcuh like you'd expect a Sick Of It All record to sound. It is unceasingly heavy yet somehow catchy. Highlights include the opening title track with its crushing breakdowns and gang vocals, the rampant speed and energy heard in "Good Cop" and the suprisngly melodic "Long As She's Standing". Throw in some good old working class punk tracks such as "Waiting For The Day" and what you have is yet another solid release from the best NYHC has to offer. Buy it, listen, and go see them when they smash into your neighborhood this summer.

http://www.centurymedia.com/
http://www.facebook.com/sickofitallny

True Colors "Consider It Done"

If you live in the states, and haven't already seen True Colors, you may have missed your chance, seeing that these Belgium natives just finished their 2nd U.S. Tour and are unfortunately calling it quits. Nevertheless, do yourself a favor and pick up this 7". The aptly titled "Consider It Done" is the most ambitous release the band has put together. It manages to stick to the band's youth crew inspired sound while exploring different territory.

"My View" kicks off the record in typical True Colors fashion; bad ass intro, passionate vocals, lightning speed tempos, and a stage dive inducing close. The remaining 4 songs are nothing less than awesome, with "Alone" being the heaviest TC song I've heard to date. The highlight of the album though, has to be, "The Kids are Alright" a near 3 minute track so melodic and moving that it makes you want to head on overseas and catch their final show.

With "Consider It Done" True Colors wrap up their time as one of the most exciting straight edge hardcore bands around. Staying true to form yet remaining completely original, it is the perfect way to finish off a string of great records.

http://www.sixfeetunderrecords.com