I’m not claiming to be an expert on press-sheets, but generally when I read the words “with elements of Post-Hardcore and Emo” I tend to back up, walk away and put on a record of uncompromising power to wash away the watered-down sounds of the world. So to say I wasn’t looking forward to listening to this CD is an understatement.
Upon first listen I was slightly confused. “Elements of Post-Hardcore and Emo” you say? “Where?” I ask. This CD is nothing like it was described. The first track “Must Be High” kicks into mid-paced punk rock number which reminds me somewhat of BAD RELIGION, especially in the backing vocals and chorus. The guitars break out into a bit of metal championed by band such as THRICE, which I’m really not keen on in the slightest, but all in all, strained vocals aside, it’s not a bad song.
The second song is more of the same, keeping the THRICE influence alive, and including some a “whoah-oh-oh” chorus – “elements of post-hardcore and emo” you say? Oh yeah, that Indian Summer song with the whoah-oh-oh chorus is a killer! – This song was recorded live and actually sounds competently played, so if anything you can say that END IT ON THIS are a tight live band.
The next track was called “Jump” and I must say, when it first kicked in I was pretty impressed, the bassline made it sound just like the kind of stuff ANTI-FLAG are famous for, but END IT ON THIS had to go and spoil it with a terrible departure into the land of Ska, which listening to the song again was as predictable as England being knocked out of the world cup in the quarter finals. it really is a shame because it spoilt the song for me, but no doubt others will like it.
More “whoah-oh-oh-oh” hooks are found in “Be Yourself” which is more of the same melodic, quite angry punk rock, but thankfully with less metal sounding guitars, although the song itself starts to lose my attention mid-way through.
Save the best until last? Quite possibly. “Tough Days” is another live song, and is easily the most melodic one on this CD, sounding a bit like VANILLA POD in places, crossed with about a million American 90s skate-punk bands, not the most original sound in the world but fun none the less.
END IT ON THIS are probably a band who need to find their sound, but there is no doubt they sound like good musicians judging from the tightness of their live stuff. It’s nothing special, but I’d surely enjoy their set if they played my local.
Phil