 | Tracklist:
1.Regrets
2.Reality
3.The Pessimist
4.Maze
5.Stare At The Sun
6.Blindspot
7.Kill The Lights
8.Cheated
9.Faulty Warning
10.Degrade
11.Grind To A Halt
12.Socially Inept
Release Date: 01/08/2010 | |
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On 12 Lists
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2 of 2 thought this review was well written
Extortion are a hardcore/powerviolence band from Perth, Western Australia who have built themselves something of a cult fanbase over the past few years. Operating since 2005 or so, they released their first LP Degenerate in 2006 and it's follow-up Sick in 2008, along with a myriad of 7" singles, splits and the EP Terminal Cancer in 2009.
Loose Screws is the groups 2010 release, and is straight to the point from the get-go. What follows are several tracks which simply do not let up in energy for the entire duration of the release, with a cutting rhythm section fueled by melodic basslines and excellent drumming guitarist Brendan's powerchords always cut through with a healthy intensity. The songwriting is excellent, vocalist Rohan (Extortion do not seem to believe in last names) provides a suitably shouty edge to the playfulness of the music, the band often stopping on a dime and starting up again at will in a manner that is constantly engaging.
It would be futile to analyse the direct nature of the music in detail but The Pessimist, Stare At The Sun, Blindspot, Kill The Lights and Faulty Wiring are perhaps the standout tracks here. Closer Socially Inept is a personal favourite with its repetitive riff and simple rhythmic pattern, highlighting the value of the "less is more" approach i've come to take for granted. If there is anything to flaw, there is little variation throughout. Still, if you were looking for that you wouldn't be listening to powerviolence.
Loose Screws is an excellent 2010 outing for Extortion, it's short, sudden and to the point which is often all one could want with this brand of hardcore. Despite this the whole ordeal feels very well controlled throughout, with a lot of care taken not to fall into the traps this type of music seems to invite with bland songwriting and dull chugging. It's an entertaining, worthwhile listen.
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 4
The first thing I listened to in 2010 and still one of the best.
Digging: Earth, Wind and Fire - Sweet Sweetback's Badasssss Song | | |
I'll pos but I don't think I'd be into this. What exactly is "power violence" anyway?
Digging: The Birthday Massacre - Pins and Needles
| | | Album Rating: 4
As far as I know it's like a slower brand of grindcore.
I've never been able to figure out one concise definition of it however.
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Aw, so if I don't like grindcore (except for the occasional Carcass song and the band Disharmonic Orchestra), then I can probably avoid this power violence stuff too?
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
i do enjoy this album.
Digging: Asher Roth - Seared Foie Gras With Quince & Cranberry | | |
listened to this band this one time
Digging: Titus Andronicus - The Monitor
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Saw a dude wearing a shirt with the Loose Screws cover on it at a bar last night, so I went and talked to him. Turns out it was Extortion's guitarist lol.
Digging: 90 Day Men - To Everybody | | | Album Rating: 4
Aw, so if I don't like grindcore (except for the occasional Carcass song and the band Disharmonic Orchestra), then I can probably avoid this power violence stuff too?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh932P28Yto
Try this, see what you think.
Extortion is probably more straight up hardcore though, it's difficult to say.
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I'll check it out, but Youtube is blocked here at work, so it'll be a little while.
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Are they similar to United Nations?
Digging: Darkthrone - The Cult Is Alive
| | | Album Rating: 4
I wouldn't have a clue to be honest.
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great album, grew off me a bit since release though. nice review as well, noticed an extremely small error
"less is more" approach i've come to take for granted
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band and album rule great amountss
Are they similar to United Nations?
what. where did this come from
no they're not similar at all.
Digging: Ghastly City Sleep - Moondrifts
| | | Album Rating: 3
I kinda wanna check this out, a little hesitant just cause I've never heard "power violence" before and it sounds too brutal for me... oh well, we'll see how it goes...
Digging: Have A Nice Life - Deathconsciousness | | | Album Rating: 4
great album, grew off me a bit since release though. nice review as well, noticed an extremely small error
"less is more" approach i've come to take for granted
k man thanks
I kinda wanna check this out, a little hesitant just cause I've never heard "power violence" before and it sounds too brutal for me... oh well, we'll see how it goes...
I wouldn't consider it particularly brutal as such, in fact I have been oh so hesistant to refer to it as having a pop punk quality almost. I would expect to be under fire, though.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Powerviolence is more just heavier/faster hardcore as far as I'm aware, I'd say this definitely sits on the line between hardcore and pv though
Digging: Archives - Decline | | | Album Rating: 4
this band just has the perfect fucking sound tbh
Digging: Titus Andronicus - The Monitor | | | Album Rating: 3.5
album is pretty tasty
Digging: Coheed and Cambria - Year of the Black Rainbow | | | Album Rating: 3.5
cool
Digging: Bliss N Eso - Running On Air | | |
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