Side A: History Of The Hawk – Density Of Air / Orbits (Part II)
Side B: Minus Tree – Kingdom Come
This super-limited run cassette from Enjoyment Records features two prime examples of contemporary hardcore, History Of The Hawk from the West Midlands, UK, and South Italy's Minus Tree.
On the 'Hawk side, the band have opted for a dirty, lo-fi vibe, which complements the aesthetic of their sound and conveys the raw energy of a live show. Opening track Density Of Air is their most emo-influenced recording yet, its fuzzed-up major seventh chords and propulsive rhythmic twists giving a sly nod to Braid et al. Meanwhile, Orbits (Part II) sees the band at their most ferocious, attacking in abrupt bursts of energy, veering sharply from one section to another with the abandon of a drunk driver behind the wheel of an F1 car, while our ears have no choice but to hold on for dear life. Distorted screams rise from the chaos like the cries of wounded spectators as the Hawkmobile ploughs through the barriers and into the stands.
By contrast, Minus Tree's sound has a more epic, metallic feel - there's definitely shades of Poison The Well in the cinematic scope of their track Kingdom Come, which builds on a dramatic introductory guitar figure before plunging into a positively gargantuan breakdown punctuated with primal, tormented vocals. From here the band bolt into breakneck-speed hardcore, before throwing the listener into the depths of Massive Breakdown Mk.II, a sea of supercharged emotive guitars.
From two bands with different takes on hardcore punk rock, this split tape is a thrilling showcase of the vibrancy of independent music from two countries. Cassettes are limited to 100 copies and can be purchased from http://enjoymentrecords.bigcartel.com/product/history-of-the-hawk-minus-tree-split-cassette-tape . Look up http://historyofthehawk.bandcamp.com/ and http://minustree.bandcamp.com/ for more from these bands.
