Chicago band Bursting, featuring members of Thou, Yautja, Coliseum, Stress Positions, and Ands, specialize in the kind of lacerating post-hardcore that was at the peak of its popularity at the tail end of the ’90’s into the new millennium. The band deftly take inspiration from bands like Drive Like Jehu, Shiner, and No Knife while delivering no-nonsense punky anthems with catchy angular riffs. It’s forward-looking rock that still exhibits the coiled aggression, cathartic melody, and precise musicianship of the best post-hardcore. In fact, Bursting execute the genre with so much panache and passion, they fit right in next to the forefathers of the genre.
Recently, the group released their debut self titled EP on the Nashville label No Sabes. They plan on hitting the road in late February through March before returning to Chicago to continue recording. In addition to this, they have just released their first video for the track “Play It Nice”, directed by none other than Mitch Wells of Thou.
The song is sheer adrenaline rush. It begins with Wipers-style guitars that propel the track along at a furious pace. Lines like “Obey the mighty dollar and fuck the planet in style” are sung in a clean, effective manner. Passages of atonal yet locked in intricacy suddenly pop up before the song returns to its infectious core riff. Like Hot Snakes and Jawbox, they find that key balance of catchiness and abrasiveness with zero compromise. Interestingly, the majority of the band have experience playing experimental sludge metal and blistering hardcore bands. Listening to them temper the aggression of their usual playing styles somewhat into this format while losing none of their dexterity is truly impressive. Killer stuff.
Here are their upcoming tour dates:
2/28: Cincinnati – The Comet
3/1: Pittsburgh – Rock Room
3/2: Baltimore – Wax Atlas
3/3: Charlotte – The Milestone
3/5: Atlanta – The Earl
3/6: New Orleans – Saturn Bar
3/7: Birmingham – Church Key
3/8: Nashville – DRKMTTR
3/15: Chicago – Bottom Lounge w/Ovlov, Krill 2, & Babe Report
Photo courtesy of Bursting
