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Expire // Epic, 31.07.14

Hardcore will never die.

by Pavlis
Expire // Epic, 31.07.14

Expire // Epic, 31.07.14

This the first full-on, exclusively hardcore gig I’ve been to for a long time. In the interim, I have seen hardcore bands on more diverse bills but I wasn’t fully prepared for this. Maybe because I am not an aficionado of the scene, to me, all four bands had similar sounds, all buzzsaw guitars and d-beat drumming, taking their influences from Black Flag, Minor Threat, Suicidal Tendencies, Bad Brains and Discharge.

First up is show organiser Eddie’s band True Lies. This was good but not as good as their gig at the Arts Centre a few weeks back as a few nerves were on show. (8/10)

Another local band follows. Free Will also seem nervous but have some fine songs. (7/10)

Israel’s Kids Insane turn out to be the band of the night. Vocalist Corey is an enthralling front man and the music displays a little more melody than the rest of the bill, whilst retaining all the energy and vitriol expected from a hardcore band. (9/10)

Clearly, the majority of the audience are here for Milwaukee’s Expire. Perhaps a little too polished, this is a thoroughly professional. By hardcore standards, Expire are damned popular, even making the Billboard charts. I can understand why. (8/10)

Pavlis

Expire // Epic, 31.07.14

This the first full-on, exclusively hardcore gig I’ve been to for a long time. In the interim, I have seen hardcore bands on more diverse bills but I wasn’t fully prepared for this. Maybe because I am not an aficionado of the scene, to me, all four bands had similar sounds, all buzzsaw guitars and d-beat drumming, taking their influences from Black Flag, Minor Threat, Suicidal Tendencies, Bad Brains and Discharge.

First up is show organiser Eddie’s band True Lies. This was good but not as good as their gig at the Arts Centre a few weeks back as a few nerves were on show. (8/10)

Another local band follows. Free Will also seem nervous but have some fine songs. (7/10)

Israel’s Kids Insane turn out to be the band of the night. Vocalist Corey is an enthralling front man and the music displays a little more melody than the rest of the bill, whilst retaining all the energy and vitriol expected from a hardcore band. (9/10)

Clearly, the majority of the audience are here for Milwaukee’s Expire. Perhaps a little too polished, this is a thoroughly professional. By hardcore standards, Expire are damned popular, even making the Billboard charts. I can understand why. (8/10)

Pavlis

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