Vacant Life
Pain Compliance [7-inch; Iron Lung]

Another column, another tough choice: Do I continue to let Iron Lung releases invade my life like a rebel force? In the case of this Vacant Life 7-inch, there was no doubt that it had to happen yet again. “Pain Compliance” is a sharp shard of hardcore punk, recorded with the utmost lack of care. Most glaring is how much ground these boys cover over four short songs. “Clairvoyant” kicks right into fourth gear like a demented modern version of “Monster Zero” as interpreted by, say, Okie Dokie, letting you know right away the sort of fun Vacant Life have during their time off. “Erasure” plays the punk role for a second before snapping off into a chorus far removed from its parameters; I don’t even know what to call that, but it meshes well considering the halting changes in tempo required. The barking vocals on this one freak me out, simply put. On the flip, “Control” starts slow, slips back into frantic, arms-flailing hardcore mode, then drives it all home with a slamming breakdown. “Press Gang” is another modern track that, to me, hearkens back to that first Racebannon records, but I’m sure someone out there is ensconced enough in these genres to take me to task. In any event, pick this up along with the Scumraid 7-inch for a quick fix of violent venom.

Links: Iron Lung

Cerberus

Cerberus seeks to document the spate of home recorders and backyard labels pressing limited-run LPs, 7-inches, cassettes, and objet d’art with unique packaging and unknown sound. We love everything about the overlooked or unappreciated. If you feel you fit such a category, email us here.

Most Read



Etc.