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Hi Sorry State readers! I hope all is well with you! No complaints or exciting news to report on my end. Things have been pretty tame, pretty chill. Went to the Languid show the other night in Raleigh, which was fun. Scarecrow played as well as two new local bands: Overbite and Fucking War! It was the first show for both bands, but it was Overbite’s first show ever. They are probably around 17-18 years old and they did great! Each one is talented at their craft. It’s super exciting to see the youth forming bands and having the guts to play in front of a crowd, let alone in front of seasoned punks. If you are young or not so young and you play an instrument or want to start playing one, do it! It’s never too early or too late! I really dug Fucking War! They’re a super group of sorts, so it was no surprise that they sounded great. I really liked their style, and they had some kick ass riffs and some good ole’ rock and roll moments. I’m really excited to see Powerplant coming up on Sunday. I’ve liked them for a little while now, especially their EPs. They are a really cool and creative synth-punk band and I’ve heard they sound great live.
My staff pick changed directions this week. I had something totally different in mind, but when I walked in to work the other day, Daniel was blasting something that immediately caught my attention, and I felt more inspired by it than what I was going to write about. It’s the second release from the Canadian band Headcheese called Expired, brought to us by Neon Taste. I had never heard their first record, so this is my first introduction to Headcheese. Frankly, the name grosses me out, but after listening to the record several times, it is very fitting and just makes sense. It doesn’t sound anything like I thought it would, and it was a pleasant surprise.
The album contains 12 really short songs, but they make the most of every second. The first time I threw it on, I played it three times back to back! Super high energy, catchy, fun, likable type shit that makes you want to break things. It’s really hooky hardcore, and I love that shit. It’s really catchy, but has aggressive, growly vocals. Almost animalistic. These guys are wound up, and the music makes me kind of anxious. It’s frantic, agitated, and it comes at you hard and fast, and with a sense of humor. I can’t help but quote part of Neon Taste’s description of the band that says, “Headcheese are pieces of shit. The worst band I’ve ever worked with. What makes them so insufferable is what is also the best part about them. They sound like what they are.” If I didn’t already know the record kicked ass, I would still be intrigued by the label’s kind words. Headcheese even wrote a song called Neon Taste to close out the record, and it’s about the label owner. It has some hilarious lines but, “watch out don’t be a sucker, he’ll rip you off and try to kiss your girlfriend” is pretty good. They also take shots at loss prevention officers, special forces, and incels. I haven’t heard anyone quite like them in recent times, but they kind of sound kind of like a mash up of Void, Woodstock ‘99, and Yambag, and that is not bad company to be in.
Anyway, if you like your hardcore fast and dirty, and a little different, this is the record for you! Thanks so much for reading and being so cool to us in general. Have a great week, listen to your music as loud as possible, and have fun! Until next time!
-Angela