The Short List is a weekly dive into EPs, Splits, Reissues, Comps, Live Records, etc
REISSUES:
Grain We’ll Hide Away: Complete Recordings 1993 – 1995 Solid Brass
Grain sprouted from the Cleveland scene in the early ‘90s. The band embraced a blend of post-hardcore with proto-screamo and art rock fused to create a tension drenched concoction. Grain submitted three releases to the punk world. 1994 witnessed two EPs; a four track, self-titled seven inch and a split with Harriet The Spy. 1995 saw another two song seven inch, Trials and Tribulations, before the group went separate ways. Compiling those releases with a few compilation tracks and now four unreleased tracks, Solid Brass presents a complete We’ll Hide Away: Complete Recordings 1993 – 1995.
Sounds range from brash intensity to sullen reflection. Musically, the more approachable sonic endeavors trigger thoughts of Fugazi, Jawbreaker, Hot Water Music, Trial By Fire, Hoover; while the frenzied attacks conjure Reversal Of Man and Orchid. Grain definitely have the quiet/loud thing down. The first tracks, “Homestead” and “Nibble” have some more intricate musicality but also let vocalist, Ryan Rinello, off the leash. The song, “Trout”, is a blistering mid-tempo stomper of emotion, while “Hickory” is a more contemplative endeavor with a raw, fuzzed, discordant musical bed. As the record progresses through its fourteen songs the screamo dissipates. Songs range from three to five minutes allowing for Grain to explore sounds and experiment with volume and tone. Heck, “Homestead” at 3:30 emulates a “War Pigs” riff, lol> Throughout the band’s entirety, despite comparisons, embrace no pop sense and no clean production. The recording fits the attitude perfectly. The songs sound fantastic for being three decades old. I can’t imagine they had much of a budget or high end equipment. If you hear the term, Cleveland Hardcore, you think you know what to expect: Integrity, Ringworm, OLC, In Cold Blood, H1000s, GSMF’s, etc. Grain provides a pleasant surprise here having a completely different style. *(member Jason Kuebler was in Confront with Mean Steve.)
Grain played over 100 shows with bands like Kerosene 454, Archers Of Loaf, Amber Inn, Current, and more. While similarities can be established, they have a more robust sound. Their fuller sound encapsulates a bigger vision and adds heavier riffs. But Grain doesn’t travel too far down a low-end say as a Rorschach. Being shown in 2023, Grain’s approach is refreshing and tantalizing. Call it ’emo’ or ‘post-hardcore’, but Grain simply comprised four fans’ influences to deliver a solid, thoughtful brand of hardcore.
Brian Noga – Guitar/Vocals
Brian Strazek – Guitar
Dean Eshleman – Bass
Jason Kuebler – Drums
Originally recorded in 1995 by Mike Riley at Magnetic North in Cleveland, OH. Remastered by Dave Gardner in 2022 at Infrasonic Mastering in Los Angeles, CA.
Coming soon on Solid Brass Records
EPs:
Ends Of Sanity Eligible to Die DAZE Records
Released just two days ago, Ends Of Sanity boast heavy hardcore from North Carolina. Full of fury and slick chops, this EP is relentless. A quick acknowledgement of forefathers such as Merauder, All Out War, and contemporaries like King Nine, Incendiary provide an abrupt reference to the sound. But don’t think that this another cookie cutter product. Ends Of Sanity deliver their brand of metallic hardcore with a fresh stamp. The band infuses a strong metallic NYHC sound mixed with H8000 bands like Length Of Time, Liar, and Congress but never going too ‘metal’ as those bands. Regardless, the record is outstanding.
All five tracks (the final being an “Outro”) on Eligible to Die are completed in under three minutes; no embellishment or tomfoolery. For a glance into the band’s mentality, note the track titles which manifest dark imagery; “Eligible to Die”, “See Through You”, “A Life. A Lie”, “Last Rites” and the sample on “Outro”. The imagery and disdainful lyrics ride the brutal riffs. The drum work is exceptional. The riffs are dope. While this is heavy metallic hardcore, there is some space in the mix. Basically this music is designed for the band and the audience to vent vocally and physically in the pit. Crisp production and powerful vocals are the strengths welcoming all the disillusioned and disenfranchised to kick some shit to.
Check the band at Tied Down Fest in Detroit along side Negative Approach, Cold As Life, Never Ending Game, End It, Terror, and a bevy of other hard hitters.
Pre-order the CD with 4 bonus demo tracks at DAZE Records
SPLITS:
The Drowns / Last Gang Split 7″ EP Pirates Press Records
June 30th
Another banger split from Pirates Press with two West Coast darlings, The Drowns and Last Gang. The Drowns have been on quite a tear with soli8d releases and shows; soon to include a European run. The Last Gang have been providing infectious and distinctive punk for over five years as well. Pirates Press has been pairing bands at the forefront of current punk and this release exemplifies both bands’ energy and personality. Each band executes one exclusive track per side of the vinyl. The Drowns come forth with no pretense as the provide a song named, “Subculture Rock ‘N Roll”. Founding member, Rev, notes, “(this) is our tribute to the music we love, and the modern sounds that have been coming around the last few years from other peers of ours. It’s just straight up no filter rock n roll”. This is embodied in a raucous yet approachable tale over a song that ius equal parts Slade, Giuda, and The Clash. Hard hitting bass drums and a catchy stomp drive home this ode to independence.
The Last Gang delve into an emotional somber tune, “Pleaser”. Hints of Social Distortion and Street Dogs combine to illuminate female vocals which ride an infectious, boppin’ track. Coarse guitars provide a foundation for the verses, muted before a rising chorus. Gang vocals of woah’s will have your head nodding. The band explains about their track: “‘Pleaser’ explores the symbiotic relationship between our culture’s obsession with impossible beauty expectations and the audience who binges on that flawless delusion, that unattainable dream. When we’re left without a filter and followers can’t fill in for self-worth, we come out of this illusion alone and feeling empty.” This is the world’s introduction to their new drummer, Sam, but will comfort longtime fans with a recognizable sound.
