The Explosion - Black Tape (2004) [mp3]

Bostons Explosion make the major-label leap with Black Tape, but their decision to leave the independent ranks hasnt diluted their exuberantly revivalist sound. Recording Tape with helmer Jason Carmer at a remote outpost of Idaho, the quintet triangulates the Social D streets of Los Angeles with the urgency of the D.C. hardcore tradition, and runs it all through the 1977-begging street punk of Bostons proud neighborhoods. Theres more clarity in this approach than the tack taken by some of the Explosions peers, who blend the rawness of punk with somewhat incongruous elements (elaborate string sections, say, or hip-hop beats). Instead of blowing up their sound, the Explosion have constricted further the already economic playing of their Jade Tree Records past. Black Tape concentrates on 12 songs with righteous vocal melodies and an array of guitar tones that recall 1993 (think Jawbreakers 24 Hour Revenge Therapy) or even earlier. First single "Here I Am" and the twin kick of "I Know" and "Filthy Insane" are undeniable jags of group choruses and devastatingly effective punk revivalism; they hurl empty pint glasses in the direction of "Atrocity" and "Go Blank," where Matt Hock wonders with true honesty about the broken world were living in. "I wont fight in any wars and I cant stand to see much more...But if you want a better world/Then Ill be right behind you." His lyrics connect the Explosion to that sense of volatile hope that pulsed through American hardcore in the early 80s.

Released: 2004
Genre: Rock
Style: Punk, Alternative
Quality: ~256 kbps
Codec: mp3

Tracks:

1. Deliver Us
2. Filthy Insane
3. Here I Am
4. I Know
5. We All Fall Down
6. Mothers Cry
7. Atrocity
8. Go Blank
9. No Revolution
10. Heavyweight
11. Grace
12. Hollywood Sign
13. God Bless the S.O.S.