Cat n’ Cakey Records are starting to make a name for themselves by unleashing some cutting edge, underground southern bands on the rest of the country. This 10 track split album is no exception; it features two Hampshire hardcore bands that I must admit I wasn’t very familiar with before I got this release.
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS have the first five tracks and from the opening ten seconds of the first track I knew I was going to enjoy their half. Fast and ballsy hardcore punk riffs, fast as fuck drumming with gutsy vocals pouring out politically charged lyrics, just how it should sound. However, the production is not the best I’ve heard but it compliments the band more than well. The five tracks WAEF have recorded don’t mess about at all; they’re pretty short but each pack a mean punch of hardcore goodness. They’re definitely a band with potential and from judging this release, could really start turning heads.
When I saw that the second band was called THROUGH THESE EYES I instantly pictured a MINOR THREAT 80’s styled hardcore act. I guess I was right in some respects as there definitely sounds like a MT influence somewhere amongst the fast, aggressive and at times metallic thrashy hardcore. The two female vocalists remind me of F-MINUS in some way although I’m still not entirely sure I’ve heard a girl scream as convincingly as a guy until I heard this. It’s a pretty scrappy recording but I think that’s the joy of it; raw and uncensored. I’d imagine them to sound just like this live in terms of pure intensity, especially the vocals.
Overall I prefer WAEF’s half, they’re a band definitely worth keeping tabs on, I’m sure if they keep at it people will take notice sooner rather than later. That’s not to say TTE are rubbish, although I found their offering a bit rough round the edges they too have bags of potential and will no doubt become a force on the UK h/c circuit soon enough. Good on Cat n’ Cakey for nurturing talent rather than releasing the latest bandwagon copycats.
www.catncakeyrecords.com
www.whenallelsefails.me.uk
www.memberss.aol.jhwbeatdown (Through These Eyes)
Mike