The Pitch: The second EP from frenetic hardcore/mathcore band Gnarwolf of Austin, TX. FFO Every Time I Die, The Chariot, Norma Jean
What I Like: We seem to be very much on the same page with this one. So much so that I wrote down the above 3 influences before I read up on the band...only to find the exact same list on their "about" page. These three in combination do give a pretty solid overview of GnarWolf's sound. The vocals have the same chaotic, off-kilter (and even purposefully off-key) approach as Buckley and Scogin, perhaps with even more post-hardcore influences at times. Similarly, the instrumentation is dissonant and chaotic in both riffing and drumming. A lot of these guitar parts could have been right at home on Wars and Rumors of Wars. And in the name of variety, songs can be harsh and rebellious or slightly more strange and melodic in direction ("Anne: The Widow," "Hector: The Foreigner"). Some of these latter moments lead me to recall early Glassjaw as well, though this can quickly sway back the other direction into death metal growls.
What I Don't Like: The band could use some work in terms of album consistency and song structure. While I find this to be an enjoyable EP, a little more attention to songwriting flow would elevate it to the next level. The clean singing could also use some work. I appreciate the raw, unpolished approach; but it still doesn't quite hit that sweet spot of albums like Too Bad You're Beautiful.
The Verdict: A pandemonium of a hardcore album where its sense of disorder is both a large part of its draw, but also something the band can better harness with time. Stream it below and also check out the previous EP HERE.
Flight's Fav's: Harold: The Hero, Mr. And Mrs. Jenkins: The Mayor And His Wife, Jessie: The Sherrif
