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Hi Sorry State fam! As I write this I am sick as a dog, so I hope you are doing better than I am! And no, Daniel doesn’t have me chained up to my computer against my will, demanding I get my staff pick done this week. I had this week’s pick just about done anyway so I insisted. Ok let’s get into it!
Four years since Public Acid dropped the Condemnation EP, the new LP was welcomed with open and super stoked arms. Im gonna piggyback (i.e. copy) what Daniel said about Public Acid being one of the greatest things going right now in hardcore punk. There is something that’s not that easy to articulate about their unique flair. But everyone seems to get it and maybe without even realizing it. Daniel brought up their Sorry State Fest performance and I have to do the same to drive this point home. When Public Acid took the stage there was an energy shift. It wasn’t that they brought energy to an otherwise energy-free room. Thats not it at all. The whole fest was fucking killer. But they brought something different that everyone seemed to feel and react to in a similar manner. Basically, everyone went nuts for it.
So you can imagine how exciting it was to learn a new album would be dropping. I slapped it on as soon as I could, and one word came to mind. Dynamic. It is out of this world dynamic. There is nothing predictable about it. When you think they’re gonna go left, they go right. When you think they’re gonna stop, they go faster. They have perfected the art of primitive, mean and nasty vocals and chaotic yet technically tight, creative, and savvy instrumentals. It’s full of razor sharp riffs upon riffs upon riffs. And no duds.
The manner in which they execute the dual guitar format is masterful. Just listen to the songs Ignorance and End of Pain for a frame of reference. When I said the album was dynamic, the first song that came to mind was Ignorance. It has an absolutely infectious metal intro that sets the tone for the rest of the song. It lets you rock out for a little bit and then grabs you by the throat for a chaotic tempo shift. It’s gotta be my favorite track on the album. It’s full of eyebrow raising moments in the best way.
Deadly Struggle is everything hardcore punk should be and more. The recipe for this album was pulled together flawlessly. It’s furious but focused. It’s arty and innovative, but it’s true to the foundation that inspired it. The tempo and style changes are thrilling and unpredictable. Just listen to the song Deadly Struggle and you will know what I mean. Another killer track.
Public Acid sees each and every song through from start to finish. No such thing as a lazy outro on this record. They just keep getting better and better. Mature but not buttoned up. It’s truly impressive. There is no denying how good everyone in the band is at their craft. But the hard part, and the part they have mastered, is the special energy they have as a band. If you’ve seen them play live, you know that the special energy is magnified ten-fold.
Do yourself a huge favor and pick up the new Public Acid record. No hardcore collection is complete without it. And once again, thanks for reading! Until next time.
-Angela