Lineup:
Lou - Vocals
Pete - Guitar
Craig - Bass
Armand - Drums
Sick Of It All (SOIA) is a hardcore punk band from New York, New York. They have been around for some years, with their first album being in 1990. They have great intensity live, and this album shows just that. Le Mobile does a great job in recording this live, and SOIA plays great live as well, just like playing in the studio. Included with the purchase of the cd is a video with an interview with the band and a few songs played live. The interview is pretty nice to check out, you get some info on the band like how Armand takes a dookie in the bushes right next to a lighted street intersection. I found that pretty amusing. Also with the cd comes a little comic book story about the chosen four. There is some cool art with that too.
Now to the music...
The album starts off well with Lou yelling out "WE ARE SICK OF IT ALL FROM NEW YORK CITY!" and then right into the song "Good Lookin' Out". The next song after that is "Call To Arms", which is one of the better songs on the album. The album plays on great with aggression and excellent songs. “Us Vs. Them” is a great song with a great intro and everyone shouting “WHOOOAOOOA!” It’s great. There are also a few times when Lou says things to the crowd: “Before all this ***, punk was not available at the mall, it wasn't cute, it wasn't about fashion, it was an attitude, a way you lived, alright?”
The album continues with “Disco Sucks *** Everything” after he says his words and it is a great song. The whole song builds up to a breakdown that just owns. A few great songs go by, “Injustice System”, Potential For A Fall”, Scratch The Surface”, “America”, and “Straight Ahead.” Then Lou has someone from the crowd come up and sing rat pack, and the guy actually does alright. Then comes “Sanctuary” and “Busted.” “Busted” starts off with a really cool drum thing and it has a great breakdown. “Maladjusted then comes and it has a really cool riff, very heavy, and great vocals. Then there is “Goatless”, “Friends Like You”, and Clobberin’ Time.” “Clobberin’ Time” is an instrumental song that is just excellent. the bass at the beginning of it is just amazing. The last song “Step Down” is a favorite of many fans and it doesn’t fail to amaze me as well. Great closing song to this wonderful cd.
Stand out songs…
Call To Arms
Blown Away
Built To Last
Us Vs. Them
The Bland Within
Disco Sucks *** Everything
Injustice System
Potential For A Fall
Scratch The Surface
America
Straight Ahead
Sanctuary
Busted
Maladjusted
Goatless
Friends Like You
Clobberin’ Time
Step Down
There is basically nothing wrong with the album at all. It is a definite must have for anyone into hardcore music at all.
