The Words In Ink Don't Lie,
EndicottConcept CDs are never the easiest of records to get into - so starting your career on a big indie label such as Equal Vision with a record crammed full of references to kidnapping is either a brave, or insanely stupid, move. In the pre-press build up to this release, Endicott allegedly went missing. The move probably didn't work all that well because no-one I knew believed it, but now it all makes sense. 'The Words In Ink Don't Lie' is a record which will appeal to fans of Glassjaw and Finch, but is reasonably unique in post-hardcore terms, if that is at all possible, with the lack of screaming. The guitars build up just like their peers, but when it comes to the crunch Endicott don't bellow their guts as much as you'd expect - and for me this is a good thing.
It's just a shame that the record as a whole doesn't really live up to expectations. On first listen everything sounds pretty much as any good record of this type should. The drums kick and the guitars bite, and the vocals have plenty of melody, surprising really for a band of this ilk. Whereas the frirst Glassjaw record spits venom, Endicott take more of a 'Worship and Tribute' feel - although not as good. 'Chain Letter' immediately leaps out at you for being killer, but on first listen there's not all that much that strikes you as being great. Don't get me wrong, it sounds good, just not great.
And on second, third and fourth listens my opinion hasn't changed. Some of the tracks grow to be absolute belters - 'Black Anniversary' for one - but there isn't the depth or quality to keep me occupied over the several weeks I've now had this record. It's an instant fix, but the lasting impression is that Endicott may be good, but they're not great. And with so many bands jostling for positions in your attention span, it's no good simply being good. As for the kidnapping concept, well for me it doesn't really add anything new or original to proceedings. Maybe I've missed the point, but while Endicott show their potential, this CD doesn't deliver as much of it as it should.
www.endicottrocks.com
Equal Vision Records
Paul
