This Minnesota 5-piece punk group has returned with their sophomore release In Desolation. The album is a follow-up to their 2008 From the Bottom, which was an onslaught of driving guitars, chugging basslines, and a seriously upset whiskey-and-cigarettes style vocalist. With In Desolation, frontman Ryan Young opts for more melodic and catchier vocals. It works to an effect, especially on “Clear the Air” which has the best vocal intro and makes a great ending for the album. However, at times, the vox gets preachy and repetitive.
He still sings about the monster inside him, and hating life, etc. etc. but it’s just too slow. I want the grit From the Bottom carried, which was still catchy and melodic, but faster!
Minus points for the best guitar rippage on the whole album being done by an outside party (Ted Howard)
Overall, these up-and-comers sophomore album still kicks ass, but the second punch doesn’t hit as hard as the first.
7.4/10
RIYL : Dillinger Four, Street Dogs, Hot Water Music, Self-depricating fist-pumping punk rock.
RT: Drive, Their Own Medicine, Trying to Breathe, All I Can Do, Spare Time, Clear the Air
australia. really thrashy hardcore, like if carpathian stopped whining and started destroying. like if jordans hardcore bands stopped whining and playing different chords and got in more fights.
holy. fucking. shit.
Ryan is an incredible short film about Ryan Larkin, an influential animator during the early 70s who battled alcoholism and drug abuse for most of his life. The techniques used are brilliant, especially considering the fact that no motion-capture was used in its making, but Ryan's real importance comes from the window it gives into the life of its subject.
