Disaster Strikes – “In The Age Of Corporate Personhood”
Disaster Strikes!- but not really, it’s always a pleasure to catch these guys live with their brand of heavy hardcore. They have some very socially conscious lyrics by singer J.R. Strikes, many concerned about corporate America.
We don’t usually get political here on TNB but it seems to me so many people dislike working in corporate life but adapt to it to support their family. In my opinion all the mergers are just monopolies that were supposedly outlawed decades ago. I would just recommend- spend your dollar on local businesses, avoid “chains” as much as possible, and support your locally grown punk and metal bands right here. And I feel this band would agree along with me.
But it’s just not the words they have to offer unlike my pitiful little review. They have ferocious music with the aforementioned singers strong, extorting vocals. A solid rhythm section with Dave on drums and Joe on bass (who also happens to be the singer for another fine hardcore outfit- The Enemy Within) and adds backup vocals here as well. And Josh on guitar laying down gritty chords, biting licks and some sophisticated guitar work, as well.
These three songs are just a sample of things to come, from a full album they’re working on. But these selections are already up on bandcamp and are being offered free for a limited time.
So these guys are far from being a disaster though they do strike hard. Let’s check them out.
“The Harvest” starts with a couple of turns of a melodic guitar line then we’re off to a roaring start with angry vocals, pounding drums and a fast guitar lick punctuated with a sharp chord. There’s answering vocals to the lead one along with unison vocals as well. “We are the crop they harvest.” There’s a part toward the end where the vocal changes reminding me a bit of Jello Biafra and then it’s back to a stampeding ending with the words, “Lightning strikes, a young punk writes, you can take them, but you can’t have me, you can’t have me, you can’t have me”.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/01 The Harvest.mp3|titles=The Harvest]
Starting with an abrasive funk that reminds me of Gang Of Four at first, this song has a slower pace with a deceptive almost reggae beat at one point. Some dangling guitar hammer-ons adorn part of the verse, also. Lots of stops and starts and tempo changes in this involved arrangement. “Deconstruct The Plot” seems to defend the immigrant, a “put yourself in their shoes” scenario. “Someone once crossed the border carrying your name or you wouldn’t be here today.”
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/02 Deconstruct the Plot.mp3|titles=Deconstruct the Plot]
The last tune offered is “Corporate Personhood”. An ominous guitar lick starts this one off, a call to arms beat turns into a more chugging rhythm until it all explodes into a hardcore rush as the vocals come in. A chorus with a relaxed rhythm and a mournful, melodic voice drifting in as disjointed guitar licks bounce off the sonic walls. “Not just some wolf-sheep fable, not just playing both sides of the table, democracy cannibalized by the compan(ies) it keeps before our eyes.”
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/03 Corporate Personhood.mp3|titles=Corporate Personhood]
With the politically charged lyrics and the able guitar work along with the propulsive hardcore rhythms makes me think of the Dead Kennedys listening to this band, high praise indeed. Not a copy, at all, more a similarity in impulse and desire. And if this is a sign of what’s to come we eagerly await when we get the completed work in our grubby little mitts.
And you should, too. If you know what’s good for you.
(Slimedog)
