This Side Up

Buy this big-guitar fast punk rock record like an expensive 45, for "Bet You Never Thought" instantly betters anything these Dischord originals came up with three years prior. It was known that this band was talented; they were probably the third best band in that whole scene in terms of playing ability, behind only Minor Threat and, of course, Bad Brains (whom no one could ever touch). One sees a feint here toward the new post-punk rock with more intricate guitar parts and less frightening speeds the label is partaking in these days with a clutch of great new bands, but they also seem reluctant to completely leave the old hardcore days behind here, as if clinging to it for safety. Let's help them: "Bet You Never Thought" is the template they should base their future on; it's squarely feet-first in the middle of the great stuff D.C. has been producing in droves. Whereas the more old-style thrash is still prevalent here, no matter how well done, it's basically played out and has been for several years now, since the rest of the country stomped all over the bandwagon in a deluge of uncreative soundalike outfits. But "Bet" is so good, you almost forget there is anything else here. ~ Jack Rabid, The Big Takeover, Rovi