A split release supported by UK scene stalwarts Holy Roar and new Brighton-based label Tangled Talk, this EP from Welsh hXc kids Bastions has all the hallmarks of quality contemporary hardcore: ferocity, rage, control and intensity, backed up with the songs to prove it. This is their first release via a label according to the press release; the band’s DIY pedigree is supported by a clutch of self-released EPs and Radio 1 sessions.
On my first play I’ve got to admit I wasn’t blown away, making the mistake of not giving it my full attention and thinking it was decent but unexceptional hardcore of the sort we’ve all heard a thousand times before. However on subsequent listens I realised that there’s plenty of talent here that makes Bastions more than worth your time. All three songs on this short EP are distinct, highlighting the band’s songwriting range. Opener ‘Island Living’ is a fast-paced hardcore tune with touches of, dare I say it, that metalcore sound. There are some cool high-pitched guitar licks worked in – no solos, none of that shit, just really cool little licks that contribute towards rather than detract from the song’s pace. ’Soar’ is more of a straight-up hardcore punk song built around a solid rhythm and melody, with the hoarse, violent vocals rarely letting up throughout. It’s a pit hit, for sure.
The third and final track, ‘The Great Unwashed’, is a slower and doomy tune, feedback and sparsely picked guitar notes masking distant vocals before the volume leaps back in with slow, crushing power chord riffs. For me it’s the weakest of the three but I love that as the song wears in a haunting, siren-like sound is dropped into the mix, making the song sound as dark as those audible lyrics suggest.
As I’m reviewing this from a bunch of MP3s rather than the actual release I’ve got no idea what most of the lyrics are, which is kind of a shame since Bastions are clearly pissed-off about something, but from the song titles and hardcore screams I’m fucked if I know what they are. Still, the music is really good, so give this a listen via Bandcamp and buy the record from either label if you like it!
MySpace | Bandcamp | Tangled Talk Records | Holy Roar Records