Review Summary: Get Fucked.
When Weekend Nachos came onto the hardcore scene with releases like
Torture EP and
Punish and Destroy, there was something instantly loveable about them. The band had their fair share of generic d-beats and vocals that complained about “trendy f
ucks in the scene”, yet they retained this unique sense of diversity and a knack for switching it up that permeated every song. Within songs the band could smoothly transition from fast bits of powerviolence to slow-paced, sludgy riffs. The band delved into the youthful aspect of hardcore, with songs like “4 years” that were 9 seconds(
school is strife, waste of fucking time), yet simultaneously wrote socially conscious epics such as “Acceptable Violence”(which very well could have one of the best outros of any hardcore song). While the vocal quality improved in later releases, the band’s work became a bit divisive, toying with lengthy noise intros and slower, brooding rhythms. While it turned some fans off, it showed that Weekend Nachos could avoid regression and keep their artistry fresh.
With
Worthless, they’ve managed to take all of the best aspects of their previous work, have them updated and refined, and perfectly synthesized into one of the most satisfying hardcore records of the year. On the new LP, the band display some of the most technical, thrashing moments of unadulterated powerviolence, as well as the thickest, most crushing riffs heard from them yet. What makes them even better is the schizophrenic weaving of these two styles that the group so swiftly pulls off. Songs like “Frostbitten” demonstrate this with perfection, transitioning unexpectedly from ominous guitar chugs into a fast array of d-beats and a mix of high-pitched screams and classic Weekend Nachos vocals. Speaking of which, the vocals are one of the strongest points of the record. John Hoffman’s vocals are stronger than ever, high in the mix and distinguishable for a hard-hitting effect. They capitalize on the most climactic parts of the music, giving them a sense of control and allowing the lyrics to reach the listener better. On
Worthless, the group makes their most effective use yet of guest vocals; within the majority of the tracks, there are sporadically used high-pitched screams that counter and compliment John’s low grunts uncannily. Remember the screams of “you live and breathe like everyone else mother
ucker!” on classic Nachos track “Shot In The Head”? Sections like that are to be found all over
Worthless and it creates these perfect little moments that make the record so memorable and awesome.
And ultimately that’s what makes
Worthless such a wonderful record; it is best embraced by the individual moments of musical brilliance and passion. While it’s a great record as a whole, delving into it will have the listener finding different little musical combustions and frantic cries that make each track. And none of it feels contrived, the band evoking the authenticity and classic sound of their early work for effect. While it may not be the most original or innovative display of hardcore,
Worthless is a record with such a spirited demeanor that it further reminds us of why Weekend Nachos are one of the best hardcore groups out there currently.
