Friday, June 26, 2015

New No Problem 7"!

Over the course of the last few years, Edmonton's No Problem has established itself as one of the best hardcore punk bands out there. If you dig passionate, blistering hardcore in the vein of Canadian greats like DOA and The Subhumans, you're probably already familiar with No Problem. And if you're not, what are you waiting for?! What's been especially cool lately is hearing how this band continues to evolve and grow - most recently embracing the dark & melodic sensibilities of early '80s California punk rock. Without abandoning the power and aggression of its earlier releases, No Problem is really starting to push its sound forward. New EP Kid Killer finds the band sounding darker and more melodic than ever - its three tracks pulsing with echoes of T.S.O.L., The Adolescents, and Dead Kennedys. Opener "Killing Game" is a particular standout - coming on slowly and ominously, then exploding into a firestorm of urgent vocals and breakneck drumming. At the center of this song is a guitar line that's absolutely haunting. As the intensity of the track builds, you just can't shake the sense that you're speeding uncontrollably towards some unspeakable terror. "Eyes Of Isis" is more straight-forward racing hardcore, but every bit as bleak. And then "Never See The Sun" brings back more of the subtle foreboding of "Killing Game". Again, the guitar work completely commands your attention. And I love how the sheer fury of the vocals suits the portentous nature of the words and music. If you're gonna go dark, this is how it's done!

I don't think you can have a conversation about the best punk bands of present day without mentioning No Problem. If you like what recent bands such as Night Birds and Neighborhood Brats have done in terms of infusing hardcore punk with distinctive guitar work and tons of melody, Kid Killer is a record you've got to have. Get it from Deranged or Taken By Surprise Records!



-L.R.
 
https://takenbysurpriserecords.bandcamp.com/album/kid-killer-7
https://noproblempunk.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/noproblemedmonton
https://www.facebook.com/pages/TAKEN-BY-SURPRISE-RECORDS/171760112965

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