Long Knife’s latest LP, “Curb Stomp Earth,” is a marvelous piece of sonic artistry, capturing the raw energy and defiance that true hardcore punk fans continuously crave. This album exemplifies the tenacity of Portland’s punk roots by blending the classic intensity of the eighties and nineties hardcore with fresh, contemporary intensity. As you dive into these tracks, you stumble upon energetic, aggressive, pulverizing sonic assault, a delightful combination that keeps you coming for more. From the moment the needle drops, it’s more than clear that this is not just another run-of-the-mill hardcore album. The opening riffs hit like a freight train, heavily distorted and frenetic, creating a chaotic and hellish atmosphere. This rawness resembles legendary acts like Poison Idea and Black Flag, whose influences continuously echo throughout the record. Yet, Long Knife manages to carve its identity amid these powerful legacies.
The guitars scream and wail, unleashing a barrage of riffs that are not only powerful but also surprisingly catchy. There’s an undeniable melody woven into the chaos. Each chord progression is carefully assembled, with accentuations that elevate the intensity of the music. You find yourself nodding along, even as the riffs attack your senses with their abrasive edges. This dynamic interplay between melody and distortion creates a perfect backdrop for the other elements of the album. The drumming is unquestionably one of the standout features. The percussion here is completely insane, dynamic, fast, and precise, it propels the tracks forward with a relentless energy that is impossible to ignore. The drummer navigates through a comprehensive collection of beats, breaks, and fills, showcasing an impressive and exhilarating level of virtuosity. Each fill feels like an explosion, punctuating the chaotic melodies with explosive bursts of rhythm that keep the listener engaged. It’s the kind of drumming that demands your attention, much like the relentless pacing of Wasted Time, Agent Attitude, earlier Fucked Up, or RKL, ensuring that every song is a wild ride.
The basslines rumble beneath the surface, providing a solid foundation that emphasizes the heaviness of the overall sound. It’s a deep, throbbing presence that gives each track its weight, enhancing the clarity and depth of the music. The bass dances seamlessly with the guitar riffs, creating an intricate, cohesive, and compelling soundscape. The way the bass interacts with the drums adds an extra layer of groove to the already dynamic soundscape, reminiscent of the intricate arrangements found in the works of legendary crusties World Burns To Death. The vocals are a fierce shoutout that elevates the intensity of every track. They are delivered with a raw passion and urgency that cuts through the instrumentals like a knife (no pun intended). The powerful shouts and screams resonate with an authenticity that is hard to ignore. It’s a call to arms, an anthem for the disenchanted and the defiant. The vocal delivery channels the spirit of hardcore punk, with echoes of the fierce declarations made by bands like beforementioned Poison Idea, Wasted Time, Fucked Up or Black Flag. It’s this sense of urgency and commitment that ties the album together, making each song feel like an essential part of a greater whole.
As you journey through the thirteen tracks included within “Curb Stomp Earth,” you can feel the pulse of Portland’s punk scene throbbing beneath the surface. This album doesn’t just borrow from the past; it revitalizes the spirit of hardcore punk, injecting it with new life and vigor. The songwriting is sharp and incisive, touching on themes of resistance and the struggle against conformity. Each song exemplifies the relentless hardcore punk spirit, embodying the energy and aggression that has defined the genre for decades. The production deserves a mention as well. It’s raw yet polished, capturing the essence of the live punk experience without sacrificing clarity. The mix allows each instrument to shine, creating a chaotic and carefully arranged sonic landscape. The balance between the abrasive guitar tones, thunderous basslines, and frenetic drumming is expertly executed, ensuring that every aspect of the music is brought to the forefront. The album captures the essence of what it means to be a part of the hardcore punk scene, raw, real, and unapologetically loud. It’s a visceral experience, one that demands to be played at high volume. Long Knife has delivered an outstanding album. With its catchy riffs, powerful beats, and fierce vocals, this album will resonate with both hardcore veterans and newcomers. Whether you’re a fan of Portland hardcore punk sound or just someone who appreciates well-crafted music that hits hard to the point, “Curb Stomp Earth” is a must-listen. Head to the Sabotage Records store for more information about ordering this hardcore punk gem.
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