This is the 2005 debut (EP) release from NZ up-and-coming Alt-Rockers Die! Die! Die! who mix the genres hardcore punk, grunge, new wave and noise rock into their own distinctive tradmark sound. Fans of bands like Scratch Acid, Sonic Youth, Fugazi, Minor Threat etc. will probably like this, but some may find it too raw and rough around the edges.
1. Ashtray! Ashtray!-
This song is definitely an excellent opener and good first impression of Die! Die! Die!. It holds all the trademarks of their sound, strong rythm section with scratchy guitar played over the top of it with loud, repetitive and oblique lyrics. Definitely one of the EP's highlights.
Song Rating- 4.5
2. Made Up in Red-
Once again a typical Die! Die! Die! track. The rythmic bass definitely drives this song and mantains its foundations, and the sneering vocals will leave you singing this song in front of the mirror for the rest of the week. Its incredibly short length though stops this song from being a classic and you cant help but feel the song could have been longer but still an overall good, catchy song.
Song Rating- 4
3. Auckland is Burning-
The closest thing Die! Die! Die! have ever come to a ballad and probably the standout track on this EP. I can't quite figure out what this song is about but it does contain some great lines like 'We change our lives with the change of a haircut' and 'I never told the truth how could I tell a lie'.
Song Rating- 5
4. Shyness Will Get You Nowhere-
Not a bad song but not quite as lively as the rest of the EP. Probably the only weak point of this EP but I'll let the rest of you be the judge of that.
Song Rating- 3
5. Rat-
An awesome lively song, this will be the song that will please most fans of hardcore and I expect this would be their best song live. Fast-paced and energetic but still suffers the same fate as Made Up in Red for being to short.
Song Rating- 4
6. Brat
A good song with memorable, funny lines. I can't really explain this song just that it's a good album closer.
Song Rating- 3.5
All in all a pretty good debut from a new band that are destined for great things but some people will find it quite raw. Their album is definitely better than this EP, being more polished and refined, but seeing as this is cheaper it is a good way of introducing you to this band.
