I've seen in another review I've read on another website that Madball are basically the AC/DC of hardcore. you know what you're expecting with Madball but they always make solid/groovy/riff heavy hardcore. on "Set it off" that's what you'll hear- groovy/thrashy riffs, fast hardcore drumming and slightly monotone shouted vocals.
nothing new or creative with the lyrical themes, family, fights, living on the harsh streets of New York City. A concept maybe other hardcore bands have used, I first became aware of Madball last May when in my metal hammer magazine Jamey Jasta (hatebreed) suggested this album and called it one of his favourite. Seeing as I was currently looking for new hardcore/metal bands I had to see what this sounded like. I listened to the 30 second samples you get on ITunes, I was actually surprised and decided to purchase the album a few months later, yeah it suffers from some same sounding songs and as I mentioned the vocals are monotone, that's what could easily put people off with hardcore. but seriously the guitars & drums make up for that.
The think/groovy beefy concrete hard riffs flow with the drumming. if you're in need of some more hardcore and aren't that familiar with Madball, give this a listen!
