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After catching much attention after we released the SELF-INFLICT demo back in 2020, we felt that a proper 7” edition was a necessity. However, the band didn’t want to just cut a record with only 4 songs, so they went back into the studio and whipped us up 2 more gems to grace us with and to round out a proper Self-Titled 7” release. As we stated on the demo, the tracks are aggressive, catchy, and to the point. Tried and true formula embedded with the mentality of keeping the wheel turning rather than reinventing. The addition of the 2 new tracks continues to push that envelope and I feel like we are still just getting a taste of what’s in-store for the future of this outfit.
Our take: Virginia’s Not for the Weak Records brings us another blast of powerful hardcore from their healthy in-house stable of bands based in the Norfolk / Virginia Beach area. Four of these songs from Self-Inflict came out on a tape back in 2020, but when NFTW decided the vinyl treatment was in order, the band went back into the studio and recorded two additional tracks. I wish more bands and labels were so thoughtful when reissuing previously released material! If you’re hip to Not for the Weak, Self-Inflict will be just as essential as other bands on the label like Reckoning Force and Lethal Means, though Self-Inflict has their own identity. Clearly taking inspiration from Out Cold’s no-nonsense style, these songs also remind me of more early 80s-influenced bands from the post-youth crew east coast hardcore scene, particularly Striking Distance. It would be a strong meat and potatoes meal, but the virtuoso drumming gives Self-Inflict a distinctive flavor, squeezing an impressive array of catchy fills and change-ups into the tiny crevices between the relentless jackhammering of the kick and snare. Check out the first few seconds of “Get In Line” (one of the two new tracks and the best one on the EP) for a taste of what I’m talking about. Fans of no-frills hardcore punk, don’t let this one slip past you.
Our take: Virginia’s Not for the Weak Records brings us another blast of powerful hardcore from their healthy in-house stable of bands based in the Norfolk / Virginia Beach area. Four of these songs from Self-Inflict came out on a tape back in 2020, but when NFTW decided the vinyl treatment was in order, the band went back into the studio and recorded two additional tracks. I wish more bands and labels were so thoughtful when reissuing previously released material! If you’re hip to Not for the Weak, Self-Inflict will be just as essential as other bands on the label like Reckoning Force and Lethal Means, though Self-Inflict has their own identity. Clearly taking inspiration from Out Cold’s no-nonsense style, these songs also remind me of more early 80s-influenced bands from the post-youth crew east coast hardcore scene, particularly Striking Distance. It would be a strong meat and potatoes meal, but the virtuoso drumming gives Self-Inflict a distinctive flavor, squeezing an impressive array of catchy fills and change-ups into the tiny crevices between the relentless jackhammering of the kick and snare. Check out the first few seconds of “Get In Line” (one of the two new tracks and the best one on the EP) for a taste of what I’m talking about. Fans of no-frills hardcore punk, don’t let this one slip past you.