Western Addiction
Tremulous
(Fat Wreck Chords)
“Clatter and Hiss” opens the album with piss and fire. Those words describe Tremulous rather well, to boot. Their debut, Cognicide, had a stand out track that lured me, “When A Good Friend Attacks” – phenomenal track. But, I felt the rest of the album, save “The Church of Black Flag”, just fell short to a solid but average punk record. Tremulous is a beefy return after eleven years, a grenade in the current climate. Gruff vocals definitely add the punch needed for this band’s sharp delivery. Gritty basslines are the foundation for ire filled tracks.
Fat Wreck Chords has been repetitive in its wheelhouse, over saturated with common bands who sound alike to me. Western Addiction has consistently stood out. They can certainly grab onto a riff and be catchy. But, this is harsh hardcore and not just redundant pop punk. Critical social and political statements elevate this from just the fun punk to boost at a party.
The bass work truly elevates the music which adores the forefathers of ’80s West Coast hardcore. Tremulous is a strong salute to Adolescents, Circle Jerks, Black Flag and Descendents. The Descendents comparison shines brightly on multiple songs; musically and vocally, especially on “Red Emeralds” and the “Taedium”. This track happens to house the nastiest bass work on the album, having a spastic fit. “You’re cynical, is what they say / How could there be any other way?!” is a classic line.
Musically caustic, most tracks confront and thrive to be unsettling. There are quieter moments which allow the album to breathe. Angry and noisy, with a few breaks of settled rhythms, the LP is produced cleanly while still embracing the snarl and grit which boast undeniable angst and energy. The band is Jason Hall on vocals, Ken Yamazaki (also of Dead To Me) on guitar and Chad Williams on drums, as well as Tony Teixeira on guitar.
Produced by Joey Cape, they remain three OG members plus one new guy. Western Addiction recruited Matt Bayles to mix, Bayles has worked with noise metal bands such as Isis, Botch, and Mastodon. Bayles brings a frantic and vibrant sound to their music. “The inspiration for Tremulous was From Ashes Rise’s Nightmares, which Matt produced,” vocalist Hall says. “They’re a hardcore band, but it sounds so big and well-produced. I wanted to do that. After seeing what Matt could do with my vocals, I was blown away.”
Achieved. Tremulous is a dark, severe album which punk needs in this current climate.
RIYL: Good Riddance, Only Crime, Kill Your Idols, None More Black, Rise Against, Strike Anywhere, Trial By Fire, Propagandhi, Bullet Treatment
