American Standards
We were recently contacted about Phoenix based hardcore/punk unit, American Standards, to see what we thought of their EP Still Life, which is out and available to check out now. Described as offering a dynamic sound which walks an unsettling line between raw chaos and brief but subtle harmony, these guys promise to deliver a smash to the face that has to be heard to be believed – so I figured I’d check things out to see what was going on.
As Self (En)titled gets things in motion it’s clear that this is going to be one hell of a heavy ride, the opening roars of the track leading the way into one which is packed with hammering guitars, rumbling bass lines, pounding drums and a sense of organised chaos – it’s a mix which bands don’t often achieve. Leading the way into Raised By Wolves the first track serves as somewhat of an introduction track, then Raised By Wolves takes up the lead and hammers us into a track once again fuelled by all out power, distortion and a real sense of all out destruction. The band have done well to control all of the elements within the band and form a sound which is accessible and, at times, almost melodic and rhythmic, as it would have been very easy to end up with sheer noise given how hard hitting it is.
Leading into Bottom Feeder we once again pick up the all out pace to hammer through the track at break neck speed, not allowing the tracks to settle for too long and instead pushing you through the EP so that you get to hear every single moment. The quick pace of the tracks also means that you’re left wondering whether the track changed sometimes, or whether it’s simply a different part of the track you were listening to before. Regardless of the short tracks, Bottom Feeder is a stand out track in my eyes, and one to make sure you check out. Paradigm-Alt-Shift-Delete once again resumes the syncopated and ‘out there’ style which got things going at the start of the album, once again ushering in a sound designed to get crowds moving, venues pumping, and that sense of distortion running through things again. It’s striking that in a matter of minutes we’re already more than half way through the EP, it’s been a quick ride so far for sure yet each track has still managed to stand out and stand up to the one before it, testament to the bands abilities.
Harvester marks a slight change initially, almost fading out for the opening moments but soon resuming the all out distorted approach which has made this EP stand out so much since the beginning. Heavy guitars mix with the roaring vocals to craft a sound which is full on, in your face, and once again teetering on the edge of chaos – yet somehow not quite going over it. It’s when The Red Queen comes into being that we edge closer to that edge though, hammering into being with a fast paced guitar and vocal combination which smashes you about the face from the word go and doesn’t let you go until the second the track comes to a close. Heavy, fast and raw – this is another stand out track for sure, and one which is going to get crowds moving, jumping, and begging for more. In the case of the EP though, more comes in the form of final track Still Life, closing the EP on a dark and distorted tone and leaving no doubt in your mind that this has been one hell of a journey. Slower and almost classic in its sound at first, the opening of this track packs a hell of a punch, including darkness into the mix and leading you slowly towards the crescendo of the EP - it’s a heavy close to things – but would you have expected anything less?
When a band describes their sound as being close to chaos, I get a little nervous – but having heard the EP from American Standards I now understand what they mean. There are moments when you think they’re going to lose it, or that the mix is going to go far – but it never does. From start to finish this is a carefully controlled EP which tests the boundaries of hardcore, showing the direction that it can move towards when a band are willing to step away from the norm – and do you know what? I like it.
To find out more about American Standards, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
As Self (En)titled gets things in motion it’s clear that this is going to be one hell of a heavy ride, the opening roars of the track leading the way into one which is packed with hammering guitars, rumbling bass lines, pounding drums and a sense of organised chaos – it’s a mix which bands don’t often achieve. Leading the way into Raised By Wolves the first track serves as somewhat of an introduction track, then Raised By Wolves takes up the lead and hammers us into a track once again fuelled by all out power, distortion and a real sense of all out destruction. The band have done well to control all of the elements within the band and form a sound which is accessible and, at times, almost melodic and rhythmic, as it would have been very easy to end up with sheer noise given how hard hitting it is.
Leading into Bottom Feeder we once again pick up the all out pace to hammer through the track at break neck speed, not allowing the tracks to settle for too long and instead pushing you through the EP so that you get to hear every single moment. The quick pace of the tracks also means that you’re left wondering whether the track changed sometimes, or whether it’s simply a different part of the track you were listening to before. Regardless of the short tracks, Bottom Feeder is a stand out track in my eyes, and one to make sure you check out. Paradigm-Alt-Shift-Delete once again resumes the syncopated and ‘out there’ style which got things going at the start of the album, once again ushering in a sound designed to get crowds moving, venues pumping, and that sense of distortion running through things again. It’s striking that in a matter of minutes we’re already more than half way through the EP, it’s been a quick ride so far for sure yet each track has still managed to stand out and stand up to the one before it, testament to the bands abilities.
Harvester marks a slight change initially, almost fading out for the opening moments but soon resuming the all out distorted approach which has made this EP stand out so much since the beginning. Heavy guitars mix with the roaring vocals to craft a sound which is full on, in your face, and once again teetering on the edge of chaos – yet somehow not quite going over it. It’s when The Red Queen comes into being that we edge closer to that edge though, hammering into being with a fast paced guitar and vocal combination which smashes you about the face from the word go and doesn’t let you go until the second the track comes to a close. Heavy, fast and raw – this is another stand out track for sure, and one which is going to get crowds moving, jumping, and begging for more. In the case of the EP though, more comes in the form of final track Still Life, closing the EP on a dark and distorted tone and leaving no doubt in your mind that this has been one hell of a journey. Slower and almost classic in its sound at first, the opening of this track packs a hell of a punch, including darkness into the mix and leading you slowly towards the crescendo of the EP - it’s a heavy close to things – but would you have expected anything less?
When a band describes their sound as being close to chaos, I get a little nervous – but having heard the EP from American Standards I now understand what they mean. There are moments when you think they’re going to lose it, or that the mix is going to go far – but it never does. From start to finish this is a carefully controlled EP which tests the boundaries of hardcore, showing the direction that it can move towards when a band are willing to step away from the norm – and do you know what? I like it.
To find out more about American Standards, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls